UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Aug 30 — Russia claims to have occupied Synkivka and Stelmakhivka in the Kupiansk direction, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports they “did not observe confirmation of these claims.”

The Kupiansk direction is strategically important for Russia because it is a critical transportation hub in northeastern Ukraine that links key supply routes and supports logistical operations. Controlling this area would enhance Russia’s ability to reinforce its troops and disrupt Ukrainian counteroffensives in the region.

Geolocated footage from August 29 shows that Russian troops advanced into the center of Synkivka. However, Russian sources’ claims that they captured Synkivka and Stelmakhivka and advanced southeast of Kupiansk in the area of Pishchane and Tabaivka are not confirmed.

“Combat continues near Synkivka, southeast of Kupiansk in the area of Stelmakhivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Kolisnykivka, Kruhliakivka and Lozova,” the ISW said.

The geolocated footage shows Russians sticking their flag in the center of Synkivka among the ruins of the settlement they destroyed. Throughout August 29, Russians shared this video on social media. According to analysts of the DeepState map, Synkivka remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

“The Russians were given an urgent order to show success in all areas of the front. Therefore, an enemy group went to the village and that was banally missed’ [by Ukraine’s forces — ed.]. They put up a flag and filmed the process. Time will tell whether the enemy will try to gain a foothold,” the DeepState said.

The General Staff reported that over the past day, in the Kupiansk direction, there were 25 combat clashes over the day. Ukrainian defense forces repelled Russian attacks near Synkivka, Miasozharivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Kolisnykivka, and Lozova.

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