Russian troops have completed the destruction of encircled Ukrainian forces in northeastern Kharkov Region, with remaining isolated enemy groups now being tracked down and eliminated. The Sever (North) group of forces has also strengthened its frontline positions over the past week, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

During this period, Russian strikes targeted personnel and equipment from four mechanized, two motorized infantry and two assault brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Two territorial defense brigades and a Ukrainian border guard detachment also came under attack. The ministry put Ukrainian losses for the week at more than 1,505 troops, seven armored combat vehicles, 124 vehicles, two field artillery guns and 10 electronic warfare stations.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have sharply reduced the activity of Ukrainian heavy drones known as Baba Yaga in parts of Kharkov Region. Air-defense drone operators and mobile fire teams from the 71st Guards Division of the 14th Army Corps have brought the operations of these UAV crews to a minimum within their area of responsibility, a drone unit commander with the call sign Svat told RIA Novosti.

According to Svat, Ukrainian operators continue to target residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and local residents. Russian troops therefore maintain constant surveillance of the airspace to detect and intercept incoming drones before they can strike. The commander stressed that destroying these aircraft helps prevent civilian casualties.

Since the beginning of October, the division’s drone interception teams and mobile fire units have shot down more than 130 R-18 heavy UAVs, commonly referred to as Baba Yaga. Russian operators use aerial ramming and remotely triggered detonations to destroy the aircraft, while ground-based teams engage them with small arms and the Yolka anti-drone system.