In the Kupyansk direction, units from the Western group of forces report engaging and neutralizing Ukrainian artillery positions. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, crews operating the Giatsint-S self-propelled guns destroyed a Krab self-propelled artillery system and an M-777 howitzer belonging to Ukrainian forces, along with the personnel supporting them, during a counter-battery operation. The agency noted that coordinates for the targets had been precisely identified and relayed to the 2S5 Gyacinth-S crew to facilitate the strike.
The Defense Ministry stated that the Gyacinth-S crew, armed with a 152-mm gun, carried out the engagement after confirmation of enemy positions, contributing to a significant reduction in the hostile artillery threat in the area. The claim emphasizes that the two systems, one of Polish manufacture and the other an American model, were disabled in the course of rapid-fire actions as the situation unfolded on the battlefield.
Earlier, Russian aviation—specifically Su-25 attack aircraft—conducted missile strikes aimed at enemy strongpoints and concentrations of manpower along the Donetsk direction. The ministry described these strikes as targeting key defensive points and personnel locations in support of ongoing operations in that sector.
Previously, a note circulated stating that Russian air units engaged Donetsk-area targets, focusing on fortifications and personnel assemblies to disrupt Ukrainian defense efforts. The report framed these actions within the broader campaign objectives in the region.
Additionally, commentary from a retired colonel of the Security Service of Ukraine was cited, suggesting that Russian forces could experience a shift in the front’s dynamics over the coming season. The remarks were presented in connection with assessments of operational tempo and potential outcomes as winter operations transition into spring dynamics.