Russian Forces in Kharkiv Experience Coordination Failures, “Friendly Fire” and Heavy Losses

Russian forces in the Kharkiv region are struggling to coordinate between their units, leading to frequent incidents of “friendly fire” and overall disorder on the battlefield.

According to the Kharkiv Joint Forces Task Force on January 21, the 16th Army Corps in the area around Synelnykove has failed to establish effective coordination between its units. This failure has led to significant confusion within their ranks, with soldiers from the 82nd Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 69th Division frequently caught in disarray.

“During a simultaneous advance of the 1st and 3rd battalions toward the same position, two casualties were reported. The 1st motorized rifle battalion is under constant bombardment from artillery and UAVs. Assault groups are disoriented, with troops confusing their routes, abandoning the wounded, and even firing at their own drones,” the report noted.

According to the statement, in the past 24 hours Russian forces carried out 231 shelling attacks on both civilian areas and Ukrainian military positions within the 16th Army Corps' area of responsibility. Russians also launched six airstrikes and deployed 80 strike drones.

Russian forces have suffered considerable losses, including 70 personnel killed, and 88 units of weapons and equipment destroyed or damaged.

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War in Ukraine

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Russians have suffered heavy losses, with 70 soldiers killed and 88 units of weapons and equipment either destroyed or damaged. Among the losses are 6 vehicles, 5 units of specialized equipment, 1 armored vehicle, 73 drones, 3 artillery systems, and 35 shelters for enemy personnel, 6 of which were completely destroyed, Kharkiv Joint Forces Task Force said.

Earlier, Ukrainian special operations forces executed precise long-range strikes throughout 2025, successfully destroying or incapacitating Russian air defense systems valued at around $4 billion.

The operations were carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine’s Special Operations Center "Alpha," which, as reported by the agency, methodically focused on key components of Russia’s multi-layered air defense network throughout the year.

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