Overview

• Russian security interlocutors reported that four Ukrainian counterattacks on the Sumy axis were repelled near Stepovoe (Leninskoe), Andreevka and Yunakovka.
• Five Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner during those engagements, according to the same Russian accounts.
• Parts of Ukraine’s 57th and 127th brigades described as up to a company were said to be blocked in a forest near Synelnykove, with strikes reported on the grouping.
• Russian officials said Ukrainian forces twice attempted in the past day to break through to the encircled units near Synelnykove but withdrew after losses.
• Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that forces are fighting on the Volchansk and Liptsevskoe directions and have nearly blocked Kupyansk, claiming control of about half the city and outlining prospects for a westward push and a future link with the Volchansk sector.