‘Putin’s forces fire 22 shells for every one we have’: Ukraine’s troops dig in to keep Russia from key target

Askold Krushelnycky talks to soldiers on the front line around the city of Kupiansk as they face an increasingly intense assault by Russia, including glide bombs that can destroy bunkers. Kyiv’s forces are fortifying their defences with razor wire, trenches and metal ‘dragon’s teeth’ to ensnare any tanks that seek to break through

Ukraine’s forces have been been running out of shells and rockets around Kupiansk (AP)

Kupiansk, in northeast Ukraine, has been ravaged more than most cities since Moscow’s full-blown invasion began two years ago.

Russian troops poured in from across the border 30 miles away and within days occupied Kupiansk. However, in September 2022, Ukraine recaptured Kupiansk and other large areas of Kharkiv region the Russians had seized.

Since then, the Russians have been trying to wrest back Kupiansk because it is an important railway hub, supplying troops that would allow Moscow to try and make further advances. Therefore, Kupiansk has become a symbol of Ukraine’s determination to resist Moscow.