Encircled Russian troops in Kupiansk are still getting limited drone drops — and a Ukrainian official says some included flags, not food.
Approximately 120 Russian troops remain encircled in Kupiansk as of mid-December, Viktor Tregubov, head of communications for Ukraine’s Joint Forces, told the Kyiv Independent on Dec.15.
"As of late last week, our intelligence assessed about 40 active call signs on Russian radio channels in Kupiansk. Typically, that means one radio for three to four soldiers. So we estimate around 120 Russian troops remain encircled," he said.
Tregubov confirmed that the encircled Russian troops are still receiving limited supplies via "air bridge."
"Yes, that’s confirmed. In fact, there were ironic cases where they were being sent not food, but flags, so they could wave them and pretend everything was under control," he said.
"Drones are dropping small payloads — food, water, or symbolic items — but you can't air-drop a new soldier."