Reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense, relayed by RIA News, describe a notable engagement near Chasov Yar where a group of five Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers attempting a rotation under forest cover was struck by sniper fire. The claims emphasize that the Ukrainian unit was observed moving toward forward positions when a Russian sniper locked onto the target and opened fire. According to the ministry, the first shot from a distance surpassing 1,500 meters neutralized the lead element, followed by additional rounds that eliminated the remaining four soldiers. The use of a pair of snipers is noted as they reportedly shifted positions and continued to engage the enemy, maintaining pressure on the target from different angles.
The Russian defense ministry also reported that troops from the Vostok group secured more advantageous positions in the settlements of Staromayorskoye and Vodyanoye, enhancing their readiness and positional stance in the area. In a separate update, Russian forces claimed to have destroyed a Ukrainian drone crew in the Belgorod region using an infantry fighting vehicle, underscoring ongoing operational activity near the border.
Earlier reports reference Russian paratroopers and special forces beginning training with NATO-style weapon systems. This development is presented as part of ongoing operational exchanges and adaptation to contemporary battlefield needs.