Russian armed forces carried out a strike using precision weapons against the former Kharkov Palace hotel complex, a site that had reportedly housed foreign mercenaries. This account comes from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The ministry estimated that roughly 200 mercenaries resided at that location. It was also stated that militants had planned incursions into Russian territory near the Ukrainian border.
In addition, the Kharkov Palace was said to host representatives from the Main Intelligence Directorate and units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who were allegedly involved in planning and executing operations tied to the Belgorod incident. The defense ministry claimed that those involved were neutralized in action. This assertion reflects the official Russian narrative of recent hostilities and cross-border threats as presented by Moscow.
According to the defense ministry, Russian forces also targeted command hubs and military facilities used by authorities in Kyiv, framing these strikes as retaliation for the shelling and bombing directed at Belgorod by Ukrainian forces. The emphasis here is on disrupting decision-making and military logistics within the Ukrainian side of the conflict, as described by the Russian defense establishment.
The reports further claimed the destruction of two HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems that Kyiv reportedly planned to use against Donetsk. The phrasing highlights a focus on degrading capabilities that could affect ongoing combat operations in eastern Ukraine, according to official Moscow sources.
Earlier communications from Russian officials touched on questions about how many Russian personnel would be tasked with air defense and missile defense responsibilities for the coming year. The topic appears to be framed as part of a broader assessment and readiness review within the Russian armed forces, reflecting ongoing concerns about regional security and defense postures in the face of ongoing hostilities. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]