UKRAINE, KUPIANSK, Feb. 19 — Ukrainian military of 43th Separate Mechanized Brigade killed 36 Russian soldiers and wounded 25 more on the Kupinask axis. They had been sent to raise the Russian flag in Kupiansk and Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi to create a propaganda image of Russian presence in these settlements, Arthur Martyrosian, officer of 43th brigade, said to Armia TV, Ukrainian military media outlet, on Feb. 19. 

On Feb. 3, Ukrainian military reported killing the Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group that tried to make a fake video for Russian propagandistic Telegram channels and social media. They also tried to raise a flag in Kipiansk-Vuzlovyi. 

Martyrosian added that the frontline is currently more static because of the weather conditions. Rising temperatures have flooded dugouts and are melting the ice on the Oskil River, which runs through Kupiansk, complicating Russian assault efforts. Earlier, Russian sabotage groups had attempted to enter the city by crossing the river over the ice.

The officer of the 43th brigade also mentioned Mask’s cutting of Starlink for Russian troops. Since Feb. 5 Starlink terminals Russia used for operating drones in Ukraine had been blocked. Meanwhile Ukrainian authorities adopted the resolution that makes it mandatory to verify all Starlink terminals operating in the country. 

Martyrosian said the number of drones has decreased significantly, especially long-range ones that previously flew 30-40 kilometers  (18-24 miles) deep into the area. He also said that Ukrainian forces downed 80 drones of different types. 

“They are still flying, but the numbers are nowhere near what they used to be. Over the past two weeks, the situation has become much easier in this regard, which in turn allows us to improve logistics, supply, and other operations,” said Artur Martyrosian.

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