Overview
- Russian military and embedded sources say Ukrainian units are retreating along the Oskol River as assault groups clear western Kupyansk.
- Russian security sources report withdrawals by elements of Ukraine’s 57th and 113th brigades in Volchansk, with three soldiers from the 57th captured.
- In Zaporizhzhia, Russia says its 'Vostok' grouping took Novoye and destroyed up to ten armored vehicles, while Ukraine’s Southern Defense reported a pullback from Ravnopolie.
- Regional authorities reported air‑defense alerts and drone interceptions over Kursk, Voronezh, Rostov and Orel regions, with no casualties confirmed.
- A new Russian unmanned-systems branch and RHBZ units were highlighted by Moscow as it also reiterated nuclear coverage for Belarus and potential deployment of newer systems.