Kathrine Frich
Russian assault tactics once again ended in heavy losses as Ukrainian forces tightened their grip on the battlefield near Kharkiv
New footage released by Ukrainian units shows how exposed infantry advances are being torn apart under modern drone warfare.
Assault pushed back
The National Guard brigade Khartiia said it had repelled a Russian assault attempt north of Kharkiv, killing around 70 Russian soldiers.
In a statement, the unit said: “The 2nd Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine repelled a Russian assault attempt and destroyed about 70 Russian occupiers.”
The claim was accompanied by video footage shared by the brigade.
Drones in action
According to Khartiia, Russian forces carried out repeated assault attempts in the sector over the course of a week.
The released footage shows drones striking groups of Russian troops moving across open ground, leaving little cover from aerial surveillance and attack.
Ukrainian units have increasingly relied on drone operations to disrupt and blunt Russian advances, particularly in exposed terrain.
Pressure near Kharkiv
The fighting took place north of Kharkiv, a region that has seen persistent pressure as Russian forces attempt to regain momentum.
Ukrainian commanders have said that holding this area is critical to preventing renewed threats to the city.
The Khartiia brigade operates as part of the National Guard of Ukraine and has been active in several contested sectors.
Recent gains
Earlier this week, the 2nd Khartiia Corps said it had re-established control over the building of the Kupiansk City Council.
The recapture, announced on 12 January, was presented as part of efforts to stabilise Ukrainian positions in the wider Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian officials continue to show that Russian assaults are coming at high cost, while Kyiv relies on surveillance, precision strikes and defensive positions to counter them.
Sources: Khartiia Corps, National Guard of Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda.
