Abstract
<jats:p>The history of Kupyansk is a journey from a small Cossack settlement, founded in the 17th century on the banks of the Oskil River, to a developed commercial and cultural center of the Slobozhanshchyna region. Over the centuries, the city changed its appearance: the wooden fortress with seven bastions was replaced by elegant stone buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The streets of the city were decorated with buildings designed in the styles of classicism, Art Nouveau, and the "brick style" characteristic of the region. Among the most striking architectural landmarks were the majestic complex of the Intercession Cathedral, erected in 1822, the Theological School, the girls' gymnasium, the district Zemstvo council, and the abbot’s house. All these structures formed a unique historical core and the distinctive identity of Kupyansk. The full-scale Russian aggression and intense hostilities of 2022–2026 dealt a catastrophic blow to the city's cultural heritage. Continuous artillery shelling has turned most historical monuments into complete ruins. Documented destruction indicates that ancient facades, decorative elements, and entire architectural ensembles have been lost forever. Restoring most of these buildings to their original authentic form is currently almost impossible. Under such conditions, detailed documentation of the damage, conservation of surviving fragments, and preservation of the memory of the lost urban environment become critically important. Documenting the architectural past of Kupyansk is a necessary step for preserving the history of eastern Ukraine and planning for future post-war regeneration.</jats:p>