The destruction of the dam completely refutes the Russian command's statements about allegedly establishing control over a number of settlements in the Kharkiv region.As they say: "You can't understand Russia with your mind." After all, if, as the Russian dictator Putin claims, Kupiansk or at least Vovchansk are under the control of the Russian forces, then a simple question arises: why then would the Russians destroy the infrastructure leading to these same cities? Locations leading to both Kupiansk and Vovchansk pass through the Pechenihy lake dam. If the invaders truly controlled Kupiansk, why would they strike the supply routes of the Ukrainian Defense Forces that are heading right in its direction?The actions of the Russian army completely contradict their own statements about "tactical successes.""If the Russian troops were indeed developing an offensive, the dam would need to be captured and held, as it is critically important for advancing deeper into Ukrainian territory. But instead, the invaders are destroying it to, in their opinion, minimize Ukrainian logistics. This directly indicates a lack of control over the claimed areas of the Kharkiv region."I will add that the strike on the dam is not the only episode.On December 7, the Service for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of the Kharkiv region reported that the Russian army struck a bridge near Staryi Saltiv (about 16 kilometers from the front line). This attack forced local authorities to close the T-2111 Chuhuiv — Velykyi Burluk road near Pechenihy and the T-2104 Kharkiv — Vovchansk — Chuhunivka road near Staryi Saltiv.That is, we are seeing a systematic attempt by the enemy to cut off the Kupiansk and Vovchansk area from supplies. As explained by the press service of the 16th Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, our defenders have already found alternative routes in case the dam is damaged – meaning the Russians will not be able to disrupt the Ukrainian army's logistics. In addition, Ukrainian units have accumulated the necessary reserves of material and technical resources. Therefore, the temporary potential loss of the ability to move across the dam will not have a critical impact on the conduct of combat operations.Instead, the enemy is forced to admit the difficult situation of its assault groups in this direction."Currently, the occupying units in Kupiansk are blocked. They can only maintain logistics with the help of heavy drones — there is virtually no ground supply. This is the result of successful actions by units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, which are conducting a clearing operation in the city."The Khartia brigade, the 475th assault regiment of the 92nd assault brigade, units of the Foreign Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate, and the 144th mechanized brigade are taking part in the operation. The group made a breakthrough to the Oskil River, cutting off the enemy's supply.Furthermore, the situation for the enemy is also complicated by the fact that the Defense Forces of Ukraine have stopped further advancement towards a key strategic object — the Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi railway station. The Russian command's plans to create a wide "buffer zone" from Milove to Kupiansk and Vovchansk have failed. And the strikes on infrastructure are the best confirmation of their failures.It is noteworthy that the Russian forces have been periodically claiming the supposed occupation of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region since October.Let me remind you that on November 20, the Russian dictator stated that the Russians had allegedly managed to block up to 15 Ukrainian battalions in Kupiansk. At the same time, the Chief of the Russian General Staff, Gerasimov, stated that Kupiansk was "liberated."In turn, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the Russian propaganda's claims about the pace of the Russian forces' advance do not correspond to reality.According to him, "our units have managed to significantly improve their tactical position directly in the city. The infiltration routes of enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups are blocked. The clearing of the territory of Kupiansk from Russian invaders, who have 'successes' only in the realm of propaganda, is ongoing. We are working on the gradual expulsion of the enemy from its bridgehead north of the city, as well as from a number of other areas where the Russians still maintain their presence."On December 12, it became known that the Defense Forces had carried out a successful counterattack near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and had surrounded the Russian grouping in the city.Specially for EspresoAbout the author. Dmytro Sniehyrov, military expert, co-chairman of the Prava Sprava (Right Cause) civic initiative.The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.