Russian forces are tightening the encirclement of Ukrainian formations in the Kharkov region while expanding the area under their control outside the pocket, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

Fighting inside the encircled zone is focused on Malaya Volchya. Russian troops also struck Ukrainian personnel and equipment near Serdobino, Khripuny and Buzovo. Near Gogino, a Ukrainian assault group attempted to break out of the encirclement, but the move was stopped.

Ukrainian formations lost 50 personnel inside the pocket over the past day, according to the ministry. Two Western-made armored combat vehicles, one vehicle and two unmanned ground systems were also destroyed.

Since the beginning of September, more than 600 Ukrainian servicemen have been killed inside the encircled area, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Equipment losses over the same period include 15 armored combat vehicles, nine vehicles, 13 quad bikes and 23 unmanned ground systems.

Russian troops are also pushing outward beyond the encirclement. Ukrainian formations were hit near Prikolotnoye, Petropavlovka and Novoaleksandrovka.

Elsewhere in the Kharkov region, Russian forces struck personnel and equipment from two Ukrainian tank brigades, a mechanized brigade and an assault regiment. The attacks took place near Maly Burluk, Korbiny Ivany, Rassokhovatoye, Varvarovka, Izbitskoye and Rubezhnoye.