Russian troops have liberated the villages of Lukashovo and Lobanovka in the Kharkov region during offensive operations aimed at eliminating an encircled Ukrainian force, the Russian Defense Ministry announced.

The ministry released combat footage alongside its statement, reporting that units of Russia’s Northern Group of Forces had taken control of both settlements inside the encirclement.

According to the ministry, Russian forces are continuing to tighten the encirclement around Ukrainian formations while simultaneously expanding the outer zone under their control.

The operation involved assault troops from the 344th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 69th Motorized Rifle Division, part of the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army within the Northern Group of Forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the advancing troops overcame the resistance of Ukrainian nationalist units trapped inside the encircled area.

Coordination between assault teams, artillery units and drone operators played an important role in the fighting. Russian assault troops adjusted artillery fire against Ukrainian positions, while unmanned aerial vehicles identified routes used by Ukrainian military transport.

Strike drones then targeted vehicles involved in transporting supplies, disrupting Ukrainian supply movements during the offensive.

Following the capture of Lukashovo and Lobanovka, Russian troops established positions in both villages and began clearing buildings and surrounding areas, the Defense Ministry said.