The Russian Ministry of Defense publicly acknowledged Russia’s intent to advance further into Kharkiv Oblast should Russian forces seize Kupyansk

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Sept. 23 that its forces are advancing on Kupyansk, partially encircling Ukrainian troops, though ISW has not seen evidence to confirm this. Moscow says it aims to use the city’s capture to push deeper into eastern Kharkiv Oblast in several directions, including Chuhuiv, Izyum, and Vovchansk, while linking operations near Vovchansk and Kupyansk to create a “buffer zone” along the Russian border.

The MoD also claimed Kupyansk’s seizure would support future offensives toward Slovyansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast, targeting Ukraine’s key defensive belt. These statements align with ISW’s earlier assessments that Russia’s goal is to set conditions for advances into both northern Donetsk and eastern Kharkiv regions, as well as to strengthen control along the international border.

Russia hit the Ukrainian training ground with Iskander missiles, causing casualties

On September 24, Russian forces launched a combined strike on the territory of an educational unit of Ukraine’s Land Forces, using two Spider ballistic missiles. Despite safety measures and sheltering, casualties among personnel could not be fully avoided. Emergency services are working at the site, and the wounded are receiving medical assistance.

The Armed Forces emphasize that work continues to strengthen training centers, ranges, and other military facilities with reliable shelters, alongside additional protective measures to safeguard servicemen during enemy missile and air attacks.

Russians dropped three bombs on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast killing two and injuring eight

On September 24, Russian forces dropped three FAB-250 bombs on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, killing two civilians and injuring eight. The strikes damaged 16 houses, four apartment buildings, and a car. Victims, aged between 39 and 94, suffered shrapnel wounds, fractures, and other injuries, with some in serious condition.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 68-year-old woman was killed when FPV drones struck a house in Vasylivka district. Another FPV drone attack injured an elderly couple, aged 82 and 78, in Polohy district, according to the regional governor.

Kremlin rejects Kyiv's meeting proposals and warns that the situation will only get worse

The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of stalling peace talks, while simultaneously rejecting all countries Kyiv has proposed as potential venues for a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, calling them “absolutely unacceptable.”

Putin’s spokesman claimed Ukraine’s “passive stance” weakens its negotiating position daily and dismissed countries such as Switzerland and Austria as no longer neutral. He also expressed surprise that Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s suggestion to meet in Moscow.