Russian troops from the Sever grouping have taken control of Volokhovka in the Kharkov Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the settlement was captured by units of the 126th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 71st Motor Rifle Division. Volokhovka is located in the Volchansk district, on the left bank of the Volchya River.

Ukrainian forces tried to hold the village and sent in two combined assault groups from a mechanized brigade. The reinforcements failed to change the situation: Ukrainian units suffered losses and were forced to retreat, abandoning their positions. During the fighting, the enemy lost more than 190 troops, 22 vehicles and two electronic warfare stations.

The assault was supported by reconnaissance drone operators, who identified Ukrainian firing positions. Motor rifle units, backed by strike drone crews, then pushed Ukrainian troops out of buildings, basements and dugouts. Artillery units carried out counter-battery fire and struck Ukrainian drone control posts and communications systems.

The Russian Defense Ministry said control over Volokhovka has expanded the security zone in the Kharkov Region. It also gives the Russian army control over a road linking settlements along this section of the front.