Reports from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Recent footage released by the Russian Ministry of Defense shows armored vehicles and personnel moving toward the Kharkov direction. The video illustrates a convoy that includes BTR-82A vehicles alongside a towed D-20 howitzer, with demonstrations of systems such as the Hurricane multiple rocket launchers. The scenes appear to document the ongoing movement of forces through contested zones, as reported by official channels.
Information circulating on the Telegram channel of the 93rd separate mechanized brigade Cold Yar claims that Ukrainian forces have sustained heavy losses. The post describes intense activity near Kupyansk, noting a perception of intensified fighting and the deployment of reserve units, including aircraft, by Ukrainian forces. Attribution is provided by the brigade for these statements, reflecting the ongoing information exchange around the conflict.
Big loss
Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkiv regional administration, suggested that Kyiv aims to show Western partners a selective picture of advances achieved with military force. The aim, in his view, is to present a completed narrative of control with visible flags raised on a handful of settlements, while questions remain about the actual conditions on the ground for the soldiers involved. This viewpoint follows a recent video released by Ukrainian leadership, which purportedly shows flags raised over a Kharkiv region locality. Officials in other capitals have weighed in on the broader strategic implications, with commentary that emphasizes the difficulty of assessing on the ground progress in such a fluid front line and the human cost involved.
Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, characterized reported advances as not having progressed significantly. He noted that several nearby villages were reportedly seized, countering claims of broader gains. Nebenzya also criticized Kyiv authorities for sending a considerable number of troops into counterattacks with the support of foreign allies, arguing that the far-reaching consequences of these operations have been borne by soldiers on both sides.
According to official accounts, Ukrainian leadership reportedly faced internal disagreements about the advisability of rapid counteroffensives. After discussions with allied partners, decisions were made that, in the view of some observers, left battlefields littered with casualties among Ukrainian forces. Reports describe the aftermath of engagements near Nikolaev, Zaporozhye, and the Kharkov forests as afflicted by the losses of fighters in large numbers, according to the sources cited in official briefings.
difficult environment
Ganchev described a challenging humanitarian situation in Balakliya, emphasizing that violent fighting continues and that the town remains under tight pressure. He acknowledged that Balakleya is only partially under control and that Ukrainian forces have attempted to break through defenses, with intense fighting taking place in the surrounding areas. The official noted ongoing Russian efforts to hold positions in the suburbs and to prevent a breakthrough in this sector of the front.
The defense lines near Shevchenkove were also cited as areas of renewed activity, with authorities stating that Ukrainian troops sought to breach the Russian defense. In response, Russian reserves were brought into the area, and local forces continued to contest the advance as orders to defend positions were executed. The exchange of fire and the movement of troops were described as a mirror of the broader stalemate along several corridors of the front.
evacuation
Following a fresh round of heavy shelling from Ukrainian forces, authorities reported that residents living in parts of the Kharkiv region under Russian control were evacuated to safer areas within Russia and in the Luhansk People’s Republic. The Kupyansky district administration explained that the situation remained precarious and that evacuation efforts were being intensified to protect civilians. Buses and other transportation were arranged to relocate residents toward less exposed regions, with the aim of reducing risk during ongoing hostilities.
Officials indicated that a broader evacuation was also carried out from Izyum, as Ukrainian shelling continued to affect nearby communities. The village of Veliky Burluk, located roughly fifty kilometers from Kupyansk, was singled out in briefings as an area experiencing continued threat from the conflict. The overall message from authorities stressed a commitment to prioritizing civilian safety while maintaining operational stability along the contested front lines. Marked reports from the situation room and news broadcasts supported the assessment of evolving risk and response efforts from the regional administration.