Like Avdiivka, another eastern city, Ukrainian forces have been defending Kupiansk from a raised position as it sits on a hill. Across the Oskil River, which dissects it, you can see plumes of smoke as they struggle to contain Russian advances.Ukraine’s ambition of completely liberating its territory couldn’t feel more distant here. Instead its troops are repelling wave after wave of Russian attacks. Christmas in Kupiansk is a celebration in name only. Most children have been evacuated and a fraction of its 26,000 population remains. There is a visceral tension which comes with living close to the front line. Within the first hour of us arriving there were two sirens and incoming artillery fire. What advise can you give the president of Ukraine ?
