Russian forces have taken control of Zakharovka and Ivashkino in the Kharkov Region during an advance on the Volchansk axis, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Both settlements were captured by units of the Sever Group of Forces. Drone crews supported the operation by locating Ukrainian positions and relaying enemy coordinates to the assault teams.

Ivashkino was seized by servicemen of the 34th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade (Mountain) and the 11th Tank Regiment of the 11th Army Corps. Zakharovka was taken by assault groups from the 126th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 71st Guards Motor Rifle Division under the 14th Army Corps.

The troops entered the settlements in small groups and established positions on their outskirts. After identifying Ukrainian firing points, the assault units transmitted their coordinates to artillery crews and strike-drone operators, who then attacked the targets.

Once the main forces of a Ukrainian mechanized brigade had been defeated, Russian units cleared the settlements and consolidated their positions. Engineering teams subsequently began removing mines from the area.

The Russian Defense Ministry also reported strikes against personnel and equipment belonging to two mechanized brigades, two motorized infantry brigades, an airmobile brigade and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A territorial defense brigade and a National Guard brigade were also targeted.

According to the ministry, Ukrainian forces lost more than 1,695 servicemen in the Sever Group’s area of responsibility. Russian troops also destroyed one tank, 17 armored combat vehicles, 97 other vehicles, 13 field artillery guns and two Grad multiple-launch rocket system vehicles.