After establishing control over Pokalyanoye, Russia’s Sever group of forces is continuing to create a buffer zone in the Sumy and Kharkov regions, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Earlier on Friday, the ministry reported that Sever units had taken control of the settlement of Pokalyanoye in the Kharkov region following active operations.

According to the ministry, Russian units are advancing on several fronts at once, moving forward daily and pushing Ukrainian forces away from the state border. The ministry said these operations are intended to protect civilians.

Previous reports said heavy fighting for Pokalyanoye involved assault units of the 71st Guards Motor Rifle Division. They were opposed by troops from Ukraine’s 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade, who were eventually driven out of the village.