Kupyansk, a city of strategic significance, in Ukraine's Kharkov region is currently under the control of the Russian West Group of Forces, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed in its daily routine update on Saturday.
The update also said that the Russian army is clearing out Ukrainian troops hidden in various buildings and basements in Kupyansk.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow on Dec 19 that Kupyansk was under the control of Russia's military, and about 3,500 Ukrainian soldiers had been surrounded by Russian forces near the city.
On Dec 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on social media that he had inspected the Kupyansk front line that day.
Kupyansk is a key logistics hub and defense stronghold for Ukrainian forces in the Kharkov region. Russia previously controlled the city from February to September 2022, during which time it served as the region's administrative center.
Russian Defense Ministry claims control of strategic city of Kupyansk
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
