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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin’s troops disguised as Ukrainians in assault on key city

Putin’s troops attacked Kupiansk outskirts in four waves and used troops disguised as Ukrainian soldiers

Tom Watling ,Arpan Rai,Andy Gregory
Friday 15 November 2024 08:44 GMT
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Remains of car that exploded in Sevastopol killing Russian naval officer

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Russian troops disguised themselves as Ukrainian soldiers as they launched new attacks in the outskirts of the northeastern city of Kupiansk, Kyiv said while confirming a frontline breach.

The Russians attacked in four waves and used troops disguised as Ukrainian soldiers but were repelled from the city, Ukraine’s General Staff said.

“They partially entered the suburbs, the industrial zone, and were destroyed by our troops,” the city’s military administration chief Andriy Besedin said. “There were assault actions using heavy armoured vehicles, there were attempts to bring in infantry.”

Kupiansk was captured by Russian forces in the early days after the February 2022 invasion but liberated by Ukraine in a counteroffensive a few months later. The Russians are now making a renewed bid to recapture the region.

The attack came as Russia signalled it was open to negotiations mediated by US president-elect Donald Trump to end the Ukraine war.

Gennady Gatilov, Moscow’s ambassador to the UN, said any talks would have to be based on the realities of Russian advances, a claim pushed by Vladimir Putin for territory grab in Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers undergo training in the northeast Kharkiv region

New recruits of the 57th Motorized Brigade improve their tactical skills at a training field at an undisclosed location in Kharkiv region
New recruits of the 57th Motorized Brigade improve their tactical skills at a training field at an undisclosed location in Kharkiv region (AFP via Getty Images)
Tom Watling14 November 2024 17:45

Kupiansk residents flee as Russian forces advance

Kupiansk residents, who fled due to Russian military strikes, arrive to an evacuation centre in Kharkiv, northeast Ukraine
Kupiansk residents, who fled due to Russian military strikes, arrive to an evacuation centre in Kharkiv, northeast Ukraine (REUTERS)
Tom Watling14 November 2024 17:21

North Korean weapons seen being transported through Russia

Tom Watling14 November 2024 17:00

Ukraine PM meets with IMF ahead of loan

Tom Watling14 November 2024 16:35

European foreign ministers to meet next week in Poland, sources say

Foreign ministers of Poland, France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Ukraine will meet on 19 November in Poland's capital Warsaw to discuss topics including the re-election of Donald Trump as US president, two sources said on Thursday.

The sources, who declined to be named, said the war in Ukraine and politics in Europe would also be among the topics of the gathering.

Tom Watling14 November 2024 16:15

Ukrainian forces conduct missions behind Russian lines in Kursk

Tom Watling14 November 2024 15:52

NATO and the EU press China to help stop North Korea's support for the war on Ukraine

NATO and the EU press China to help stop North Korea's support for the war on Ukraine

NATO and the European Union are ramping up pressure on China

Tom Watling14 November 2024 15:34

In Cyprus, Ukrainians learn how to dispose of landmines that kill and maim hundreds

In Cyprus, Ukrainians learn how to dispose of landmines that kill and maim hundreds

In a Cypriot National Guard camp, Ukrainians are being trained on how to identify, locate and dispose of landmines and other unexploded munitions that litter huge swaths of their country, killing and maiming hundreds of people, including children

Tom Watling14 November 2024 15:20

Mapped: Russian mounts counteroffensive in Kursk

Tom Watling14 November 2024 15:09

In pictures: Kharkiv residents face first snowfall of winter

A woman feeds pigeons in a park during the first snowfall in Kharkiv, Ukraine
A woman feeds pigeons in a park during the first snowfall in Kharkiv, Ukraine (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Tom Watling14 November 2024 14:55

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