A large concentration of Ukrainian troops from the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade was destroyed near the settlement of Svetlichnoye in the Kharkov region, according to representatives of the Russian security services.

They reported that a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) strike on a forested area near Svetlichnoye eliminated a group of Ukrainian servicemen. The enemy reportedly suffered losses of up to one platoon in killed and wounded, as well as the destruction of several pieces of military equipment.

Earlier, during a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, President Vladimir Putin assessed the situation in the Kharkov direction, stating that the creation of a security buffer zone is proceeding according to plan and that the liberation of Volchansk is only a matter of time.

According to the Russian leader, the Western Grouping of Forces has taken control of nearly two-thirds of Kupyansk, with the city center already under Russian control.

Kupyansk remains a key defensive stronghold of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the eastern part of the Kharkov region. Once it is fully liberated, Russian troops will be able to advance further west and eventually link up the front line with the Volchansk sector.