Russian forces say they are continuing their special military operation, reporting fresh territorial gains and ongoing strikes across several sectors. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, units from the «Sever» (North) grouping have taken control of the settlement of Volchanskiye Khutora in the Kharkov Region following a series of active combat operations.

During the advance, Russian troops targeted Ukrainian positions in multiple areas simultaneously. The ministry reported that units from three Ukrainian mechanized brigades came under fire near Izbitskoye, Pyatikhatki and Sosnovy Bor.

At the same time, fighting intensified along the Sumy axis, where Russian forces struck personnel and equipment belonging to one mechanized brigade and three territorial defense brigades. The attacks were concentrated in the areas of Bachevsk, Zapselye, Malaya Slobodka and Pokrovka.

Losses on the Ukrainian side within the Sever grouping’s area of responsibility were estimated at up to 175 troops. The Defense Ministry also reported the destruction of an armored personnel carrier, 17 vehicles and seven supply depots.

The ministry added that assault groups from the 128th Motor Rifle Brigade managed to enter Volchanskiye Khutora by exploiting terrain features and subsequently secured their positions. As a result, Ukrainian units in the area were cut off from supply routes for food and ammunition.

Russian forces from the Sever grouping are said to be continuing efforts to widen a «security zone» in the Sumy and Kharkov regions, pushing deeper into Ukrainian defenses and forcing opposing troops away from the state border.