Ukrainian forces have suffered significant casualties in clashes on the Kupyansk front over the past 24 hours, according to a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The situation in the area of the special military operation (SMO) was detailed in an official Telegram channel update.
The statement revealed that units of the “Western” group of forces successfully repelled four attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in the Kharkiv region. The fighting took place in the areas of the settlements of Synkivka and Terny, with the 21st and 32nd mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian forces initiating the assaults.
“The enemy has lost up to 145 servicemen, two infantry fighting vehicles, and four vehicles,” the ministry clarified.
Additionally, during counter-battery fire, Russian soldiers disabled two Ukrainian howitzers and one M777 artillery system. It is worth noting that the latter was manufactured in the United States, as emphasized in the ministry’s statement.
On January 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with activists and residents of the Chukotka city of Anadyr, during which he commented on the issue of leave for SMO participants. The head of state noted that the difficulties soldiers faced in obtaining leave were gradually being addressed, and now people had the opportunity to temporarily leave the conflict zone.
Earlier, the United States acknowledged that Russian forces had become stronger during the course of the SMO.
