Russian infantry units have begun assault operations in Druzhkovka as forces from Battlegroup South establish positions on the outskirts of the city, according to claims released by Russia’s Defense Ministry on September 9.
A deputy company commander from the battlegroup’s separate unmanned systems regiment, identified by the call sign “Artist,” said drone crews were supporting infantry forces attempting to advance into the city.
He claimed Russian units had secured positions along Druzhkovka’s outskirts and that infantry troops were making progress in their efforts to enter and storm the urban area.
The battlefield claims have not been independently verified, and Ukrainian authorities had not provided confirmation of the reported Russian advances in the information cited by Moscow.
Drones Take Central Role in Russian Advance
According to the Russian commander, Moscow’s forces are attempting to disrupt Ukrainian supply routes before pushing infantry units forward.
The strategy is intended to restrict the movement of ammunition, equipment and other supplies into Ukrainian defensive positions while unmanned aircraft provide surveillance and attack capabilities.
Artist described drones as a critical element of current Russian battlefield operations, arguing that unmanned systems are helping suppress Ukrainian forces and creating opportunities for infantry formations to advance.
He also accused Ukrainian troops of conducting operations designed primarily to demonstrate a continued presence in contested settlements, including deploying personnel and displaying Ukrainian flags.
The Russian serviceman further claimed that Moscow’s troops had taken Konstantinovka and advanced beyond it. That assertion was presented by the Russian side and was not independently confirmed in the Defense Ministry material.
Moscow Claims Ukrainian Losses in Kharkov Region
While reporting developments around Druzhkovka, the Russian Defense Ministry also said its forces were increasing pressure on Ukrainian formations elsewhere along the front.
In the Kharkov Region, Moscow claimed units belonging to Battlegroup North were tightening what it described as an inner encirclement around Ukrainian troops.
The ministry said Ukrainian forces inside the area had lost as many as 35 personnel during the previous 24 hours.
Russian officials also claimed the destruction of an armored fighting vehicle, two all-terrain vehicles and four ground-based robotic systems. No independent casualty assessment was provided alongside the Russian statement.
Overnight Strikes Target Ukrainian Military Infrastructure
Beyond frontline operations, Russia reported another series of overnight attacks against targets across Ukraine using precision-guided weapons and attack drones.
The Defense Ministry said the strikes were directed at military-industrial facilities, seaports, vessels, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure and storage locations that Moscow alleges are being used to support Ukrainian military operations.
Among the targets identified by Russian officials was a warehouse in Kyiv allegedly connected to an enterprise producing unmanned surface vessels, fixed-wing drones and components for unmanned systems.
According to Moscow, the Kyiv facility was struck with a combination of ground-launched and air-launched precision weapons and attack drones.
Nikolayev Port Power Infrastructure Hit
Russian forces also targeted energy infrastructure associated with port operations in Nikolayev, according to the Defense Ministry.
Moscow said the Trikhaty electrical substation, which it described as supporting operations at the Nikolayev port, was struck during the overnight campaign.
The reported attack formed part of a broader wave of strikes that Russia said was aimed at infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military logistics and maritime activities.
The Russian ministry did not provide a comprehensive assessment of damage to the power network or disclose whether civilian electricity supplies were disrupted.
Fuel and Military Storage Sites Targeted
A significant portion of the overnight operation was concentrated on Nikolayev and the surrounding region, according to Russia’s account.
The Defense Ministry said precision weapons and strike drones targeted the Nikolayev-2 logistics center, which Moscow alleges was being used to store military cargo and equipment.
Another reported target was the Elektrotechnika logistics facility, which Russian officials said was involved in storing and distributing drones and spare parts.
Moscow also identified the Dimetra warehouse terminal as a military equipment storage site and the Zhovtnevoye terminal as a location holding fuel, lubricants and military hardware.
The Russian military claimed six fuel tanks and five warehouses containing military supplies were destroyed during the attacks.
Cargo Terminal and Drone Facility Among Reported Targets
Additional strikes were reported against the Nika Terra cargo terminal in the Nikolayev area.
Russia alleged that the terminal was being used to store fuel, lubricants and Ukrainian military equipment. The Defense Ministry claimed three fuel tanks and three warehouses containing military cargo were destroyed there.
Moscow also said a drone-production facility and UAV storage warehouse located within the terminal complex were hit.
The Metro logistics center was another reported target, with Russian officials alleging the facility was being used for the storage of Ukrainian military cargo and equipment.
Logistics Networks Come Under Attack
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the overnight campaign extended to several other logistics facilities that it alleges play roles in supplying Ukrainian forces.
Among them was the ATP YUTK logistics center, which Moscow said stored military supplies and equipment intended for Ukrainian troops.
The ministry also reported striking a Nova Poshta logistics facility, claiming it was being used for the delivery, distribution and storage of military cargo and materiel.
The Russian statement did not provide independent evidence establishing the military use of each location, and Ukraine’s assessment of the reported attacks was not included in the account.
Odessa Region Checkpoint Struck
Russian forces also carried out a precision strike against facilities at the Starokazachye road checkpoint in Ukraine’s Odessa Region, according to Moscow.
The Defense Ministry alleged that logistics infrastructure at the checkpoint was being used to transport military cargo into Ukraine.
Russia said ground- and air-launched precision weapons, alongside strike drones, were involved in the attack.
Details regarding casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure or disruption to cross-border traffic were not provided in the Russian statement.
Russia Expands Pressure Across Frontline and Rear Areas
The September 9 Russian reports portray a coordinated campaign combining ground advances, drone-supported infantry operations and long-range attacks against Ukraine’s rear infrastructure.
Around Druzhkovka, Russian forces appear to be seeking to disrupt Ukrainian logistics while increasing direct pressure on defensive positions, according to Moscow’s account. Farther from the frontline, Russia says it is concentrating strikes on facilities associated with drone production, fuel storage, military transportation, ports and logistics.
The claims reflect Moscow’s description of the latest battlefield developments and overnight attacks. The extent of the reported damage, Ukrainian military losses and Russian territorial advances could not be independently established from the Defense Ministry statements alone.
