Zelensky gloats as Russia flees vital supply hub in Ukraine

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky gloated Saturday that Moscow is running scared after his country gained control of a vital Russian supply hub.

“These days, the Russian army is showing its best — showing its back.” Zelensky said in a video posted on Facebook late Saturday. “And, in the end, it is a good choice for them to run away. There is and will be no place for the occupiers in Ukraine.”

In what could mean a crucial turning point in the war, Moscow on Saturday pulled back its troops from the vital city of Kupiansk, central to Russian supply lines, as Ukrainian forces recaptured territory lost in the early days of the invasion, now in its seventh month.

“The movement of our soldiers in different directions of the front continues,” Zelensky said. “As of now, as part of active actions since the beginning of September, about 2,000 kilometers (12,50 miles) of our territory have already been liberated.”

He added, “I’m thankful to all our defenders, who during these weeks made the approach of our victory even more tangible!”