8 months ago
Zelensky Visits Kupiansk, Disputes Russian Control Claims
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city of Kupiansk, which is near the Russian border.
Russia said they had taken control of the city last month, but Zelensky went there to show that Ukrainian soldiers are still in control.
He took a selfie and recorded a video to prove it.
Zelensky thanked the soldiers for their hard work and said that holding onto this area helps Ukraine in peace talks.
Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, invited foreign journalists to see the supposed captured area, but Ukraine says only about 200 Russian soldiers are left in the city.
During Zelensky's visit, there was an explosion in the distance, showing that the fighting is still going on.
Zelensky is also negotiating a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Trump.
He agrees with some parts but has questions and wants changes to make it fair for Ukraine.
He wants elections but only if there is a cease-fire and U.S. involvement in managing a nuclear plant that Russia currently occupies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Kupiansk to dispute Russian claims of control.
Russia claimed full capture of Kupiansk on November 20, 2025, but Ukraine denies this.
Zelensky recorded a video and shared a selfie to show Ukrainian presence in the area.
Zelensky praised Ukrainian soldiers and emphasized the strategic importance of territorial control in peace talks.
Ukraine claims that only about 200 Russian soldiers remain in Kupiansk.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin
- What
- Zelensky's visit to Kupiansk and dispute over control of the city, negotiations on Trump's peace plan
- Where
- Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine
- When
- December 12, 2025 (Zelensky's visit), November 20, 2025 (Russian claim of capture)
- Why
- To show Ukrainian control, strengthen negotiating power, and respond to Trump's peace plan
Ukraine
Russia
Control of Kupiansk
Ukraine
Ukraine claims continued control of key positions in Kupiansk, with only about 200 Russian soldiers remaining.
Russia
Russia claimed full capture of Kupiansk on November 20, 2025.
Peace Plan Negotiations
Ukraine
Zelensky is prepared to hold elections with a cease-fire, maintain some Russian involvement in the nuclear plant under U.S. and Ukraine control, and cap the military at its current size.
Russia
Russia insists on elections within 100 days, Ukraine's withdrawal from certain territories, and barring Ukraine from NATO, with Russian police and national guard deployed on territories.
Key facts
- Location
- Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine
- Date of Visit
- December 12, 2025
- Russian Claim
- Full capture of Kupiansk on November 20, 2025
- Ukrainian Claim
- Continued control of key positions
- Russian Troops Remaining
- Approximately 200
- Zelensky's Message
- Praise for Ukrainian soldiers and strategic importance of territorial control
- Peace Plan Response
- Zelensky's 'yes, but...' approach to Trump's peace plan
- Zaporizhzhia Plant
- Ukraine opposes Russian control; seeks U.S. involvement in management
Quotes
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine
“It is not a given that we as Ukraine will accept this, but when you speak to us about compromise, then the compromise you propose must be a fair one.”
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“All our strong positions within the country translate into strong positions in the negotiations to end the war.”
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Volodymyr Fesenko
Ukrainian political analyst
“We simply need to psychologically withstand this pressure, pause briefly, and say that we are ready to discuss. And then let’s sit down and discuss each specific point.”
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“We respect you very much, but we cannot just sign it, because we have restrictions.”
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Yuri Ushakov
Aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin and lead negotiator for the Kremlin in the peace talks
“Russian police and the Kremlin’s national guard would likely be deployed on the territories.”
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