Russian troops have captured Nefedovka and Chernoye in the Kharkov region, closing off a section of the encirclement that Ukrainian forces had been trying to exploit. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, units of the Sever (North) group are tightening their grip on the surrounded Ukrainian troops while expanding their territory beyond the outer perimeter.

The two villages occupy a strategically important stretch of the southern boundary of a pocket formed in northeastern Kharkov during the summer. Military correspondent Alexander Kots explained that this area had been the only vulnerable point along the external encirclement line. Ukrainian forces had attempted to use it both to withdraw trapped troops and to launch an operation from outside to break through to them. With both settlements now under Russian control, Kots said those plans have been thwarted.

The assault was carried out by troops from the 127th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 71st Motor Rifle Division, part of the 14th Army Corps. The unit secured both villages, which belong to the Olkhovatskaya rural community in the Kupyansk district.

Nefedovka lies along the Plotva River, immediately east of Blagodatnoye, which the Russian Defense Ministry reported capturing on September 3. The village had a pre-conflict population of approximately 120 people. Chernoye borders Nefedovka to the east and was home to around 450 residents before the fighting began.

Despite these advances, Russian forces have yet to eliminate the remaining Ukrainian positions inside the encirclement. According to the Defense Ministry, Nikolayevka and Varvarovka are the only two settlements within the pocket still held by Ukrainian troops, with fighting continuing for both.

Russian units must also clear Ukrainian forces from the remaining wooded strips in the area. Kots believes the operation should be completed relatively quickly as autumn brings thinner vegetation and reduces natural cover.

Meanwhile, the Sever group is pressing ahead with operations beyond the encircled territory. Russian troops are fighting for control of Prikolotnoye, Kotovka and Gogino. Strikes have also targeted fortified Ukrainian positions near Fedorovka and Maly Burluk, where units of a heavy mechanized brigade and an assault regiment are deployed.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian losses across the Sever group’s area of responsibility exceeded 175 military personnel. It also claimed the destruction of 16 vehicles and two electronic warfare stations.