Overview
- Russia’s Defense Ministry said its “Center” grouping repelled 13 attempts to break the encirclement at Krasnoarmeysk, thwarted three breakout bids, took prisoners from Ukraine’s 68th Jaeger Brigade, and claimed 64 buildings captured in the area.
- On the Kupyansk axis, Russian units reported clearing a feed mill and said 25 buildings were taken in the past day with a further seven later, while Moscow described continued Ukrainian efforts to relieve the city.
- Ukrainian drones struck Lukoil’s refinery in Volgograd and the Kostroma GRES power plant; regional officials reported a 48‑year‑old man killed by debris in Volgograd, a fire at the industrial site, and a precautionary one‑day closure of schools in Volgorachensk with power supply intact.
- Russia reported downing 75 Ukrainian UAVs overnight, including 49 over Volgograd region, and Belgorod authorities said more than 40 drones hit settlements in a day, with one civilian killed in a vehicle strike and multiple structures damaged.
- EU officials announced a provisional agreement to let defense tap existing civilian EU funds and to associate Ukraine with the European Defence Fund, as Russia pursued domestic security steps including closing a high‑profile court hearing over safety concerns and moving to try a Swedish fighter in absentia.