Russian troops in the Kharkov region have located and destroyed a Czech-made RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket system, according to Russian security officials. The system was reportedly used by Ukrainian forces to shell the territory of the Belgorod region.

A representative of the security agencies told RIA Novosti that another Vampire launcher had been identified and eliminated in the Kharkov region, adding that it had been involved in strikes on Belgorod.

Shelling of Russia’s border areas has continued on a regular basis. Since August 2024, a counterterrorism operation regime has been in force in the Belgorod and Bryansk regions. The situation there has also been classified as a federal-level emergency.

Military analyst Vasily Dandikin believes that taking control of Kharkov could significantly reduce the threat of attacks on Belgorod from Ukrainian forces. In his assessment, Russian units would need to considerably expand the security buffer zone to achieve that goal, advancing at least as far as Balakleya.