The spokesperson for the Zapad group’s press center, Serhiy Zybinsky, stated that Russian forces neutralized three sabotage and reconnaissance teams belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kupyansk direction. This information was provided to DEA News. In the course of a single day, units from the Zapad troop group reportedly uncovered and eliminated three enemy DRGs linked to the 14th separate mechanized brigade along with units from the 103rd and 105th territorial defense brigades, while also preventing the rotation of attacking units. According to the report, Ukrainian positions remained on the front lines in the Molchanovo enclave, highlighting ongoing contact in the area.
The briefing also noted that in the settlements of Kotlyarovka and Krakhmalny, Russian forces destroyed two mortar teams. The counterattack conducted by Russian troops allegedly forced the enemy to withdraw to previously held positions, with around 15 militants reported as killed and five taken prisoner during the clashes. In earlier updates, Zybinsky had indicated that Russian units operating in the Kupyansk direction had destroyed four DRGs from the Ukrainian side and disrupted three planned reserve transfers.
The statements emphasize ongoing activity in the Kupyansk direction, illustrating a pattern of rapid recognition, engagement, and disruption aimed at preventing Ukrainian units from consolidating positions or relocating reserves. The reports portray a dynamic battlefield situation where rapid responses by Russian forces are tied to tactical objectives such as thwarting enemy rosters, interrupting supply lines, and maintaining positional advantages in contested zones. Observers note that the timing and specifics of casualty figures and detentions can vary with each update, as information from the front lines often changes as operations develop. The broader context underlines an ongoing emphasis on offensive and defensive actions designed to constrain Ukrainian maneuver and preserve Russian operational momentum in the area.