In recent days, there have been several statements by Russia about the capture of Tabaivka village in Kharkiv Oblast, which have not been confirmed. Russian offensive actions in the area are likely aimed at cutting Ukrainian lines of communication rather than capturing Kupiansk itself.

On January 28, the Russian army advanced southeast of Kupiansk (northwest of Svatove). Pro-Kremlin war correspondents continue to claim that units of the Russian 47th Tank Division, after capturing Krokhmalne, allegedly seized the village of Tabaivka (southeast of Kupiansk) and the heights in the area. According to the Institute for the Study of War, which cites Russian sources, it is also claimed that Russians allegedly advanced into Berestove (28 km southeast of Kupiansk) and possibly captured Kotliarivka (directly northeast of Tabaivka).

Tabaivka is located on the frontline between Kharkiv and Luhansk oblasts / Map: deepstatemap.live

“Tabaivka is located in a rather unfavorable lowland, so anyone who goes down into this swampy area immediately becomes a target in a shooting field. That’s why fierce fighting is going on there and Ukrainian defenders are trying to push the adversary from their positions,” said Volodymyr Fitio, spokesman for the Ground Forces, on Radio Liberty.

Read also: Constant missile attacks and empty streets: how Kupiansk lives on the front line.

Tabaivka is a village in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast with a pre-war population of 34 people. The settlement on the border of Kharkiv and Luhansk regions was liberated as a result of the Kharkiv counteroffensive in September-October 2022. Since returning to Ukrainian control, the village has been under constant Russian shelling with bombs, artillery, and mortars. As of January 29, 2024, there is no information on the number of people staying in Tabaivka.