Units of the «Sever» force grouping have taken control of the settlement of Zybino in Kharkov Region over the past 24 hours, according to a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry on April 17.

The operation began with efforts to secure the airspace. Military officials said Ukrainian strike drones were neutralized before the assault, clearing the way for coordinated strikes. Drone units and artillery then targeted enemy firing positions and incoming reserves. Once inside the settlement, troops moved to consolidate their positions, carrying out systematic sweeps of buildings and basements.

The Defense Ministry reported that multiple Ukrainian formations came under fire during the fighting. These included three mechanized brigades, one motorized infantry brigade, an assault regiment, three territorial defense brigades, and a National Guard unit.

According to the same source, Ukrainian forces in the area suffered losses exceeding 1,085 personnel over the course of the day. Equipment losses were also significant, with one tank, nine armored combat vehicles, 83 vehicles, and four artillery systems destroyed. The report also listed nine electronic warfare and counter-battery systems among the losses, along with 29 depots storing ammunition, fuel, and other supplies.

Earlier in the week, «Sever» units were reported to have established control over the settlement of Volchanskiye Khutora.

Russian forces, the ministry added, continue to expand what they describe as a security buffer zone along the border areas of Sumy and Kharkov Regions, advancing deeper into Ukrainian defensive lines and pushing opposing forces further from the state border.