Ukraine sacks brigade commander over Kupyansk scandal

The Ukrainian General Staff has dismissed the commander of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade, citing a 'complication' of the situation in the Kupyansk direction. The removal followed public outcry after a soldier's wife posted photos of exhausted troops lacking food and water. Official reasons for the dismissal include logistical failures due to Russian strikes on Oskol River crossings, miscalculations by the commander, falsifying reports, and abandoning positions without orders. Russian sources claim their forces are now operating in central Kupyansk and that a recent Ukrainian counter-operation has failed with significant losses.