Units of Russia’s Sever group of forces have taken control of the settlements of Zapselye and Ryasnoye in the Sumy Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

During the assault, reconnaissance teams located Ukrainian firing positions, allowing motorized rifle units to move in and secure the villages. Working alongside strike drone crews, they pushed Ukrainian troops out of buildings, basements and dugouts.

Artillery units supported the advance, carrying out counter-battery fire and striking Ukrainian drone control posts and communications systems.

According to the ministry, Ukrainian forces tried to bring in reserves from elite assault units in an effort to hold their positions. The move failed: Ukrainian formations suffered losses and were forced to retreat.

Russian troops also struck manpower and equipment from two territorial defense brigades near Pisarevka, Ivolzhanskoye and Obody in the Sumy Region.

In the Kharkov Region, strikes hit Ukrainian mechanized, motorized infantry and air assault brigade formations near Bugayevka, Ternovaya, Bely Kolodez, Granov and Izbitskoye.

The Defense Ministry put Ukrainian losses at up to 195 troops. It also reported the destruction of two armored combat vehicles, 20 vehicles and an artillery gun.

Sever units are continuing their advance on several fronts. Their operations are aimed at creating a security buffer in the Sumy and Kharkov regions to protect civilians.