politics
February 18, 2026
Ukrainian units face 'icy hell' in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy area
Up to 30% of Ukrainian army soldiers in the Kupyansk direction are incapacitated due to frostbite and other cold-related injuries, and it is impossible to evacuate them
TL;DR
- Ukrainian units in the Kupyansk-Uzlovoy area are reportedly trapped and in dire straits.
- Freezing temperatures and sleet have created an 'icy hell' for the soldiers.
- Units from the 1st Special Forces Brigade and 43rd Mechanized Brigade are encircled on the eastern bank of the Oskol River.
- Commanding officers did not order retreats due to over-optimism from previous 'victory' reports.
- Soldiers are forced to bail water out of flooded dugouts.
- Servicemen are threatened with execution for abandoning positions.
- Frostbite and cold-related injuries have incapacitated up to 30% of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kupyansk direction.
- Evacuation of affected soldiers is reported as impossible.