The President heard reports from Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Commander of the South group of forces Sergei Medvedev, Commander of the 3rd Army Igor Kuzmenkov, Commander of the 123rd Motor Rifle Brigade Denis Pirogov, and Company Commander of the 6th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade Naran Ochirgoryayev.
In the presence of Colonel Denis Pirogov, Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone with Colonel Yaramir Temirkhanov, commander of the 6th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, which participated in the liberation of Seversk, and also with Colonel Sergei Cherdantsev, commander of the 177th Regiment of the Caspian Flotilla. The President thanked the latter for the excellent service.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, good afternoon,
We will hold another meeting today to review the current situation in the special military operation zone.
During our previous meeting, the main focus was on the combat operations of formations and military units of the Centre and East groups of forces. The group commanders, Colonel General Valery Solodchuk and Colonel General Andrei Ivanayev, reported on the progress of eliminating enemy formations in the area of the Krasnoarmeysk-Dimitrov agglomeration, as well as the results of offensive operations by combined arms formations in the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions. Today, we will examine in greater detail the developments in the northern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic, within the operational responsibility of the South group of forces.
At the beginning of our work, as per usual, I ask the Chief of the General Staff to report on the developments in the special military operation zone.
I would like to note that today each of us is working from his assigned location: the Chief of the General Staff, the group commander, and the army commander. We are joined by one more participant in our meeting – Denis Pirogov, commander of the 123rd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of the South group of forces. He will participate alongside me, working from here in the Kremlin, from the office of the President of Russia.
Let us proceed.
Please, Mr Gerasimov, you have the floor.
Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Units of the Joint Force are conducting combat operations in accordance with the plan for the special military operation.
In the area of responsibility of the North group, main efforts are concentrated on increasing the depth of the security zone in the border areas of Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkov regions.
Over the past week, our units have expanded control over territories south and southwest of Yunakovka in the Sumy Region. The residential community of Liman south of the city of Volchansk in the Kharkov Region has been liberated, and combat operations are continuing for the community of Vilcha.
Following the liberation of Kupyansk, units of the West group of forces continue offensive operations to eliminate encircled enemy units east of the city, on the left bank of the Oskol River. While tightening the encirclement, assault units have liberated the villages of Kucherovka and Kurilovka.
Meanwhile, active operations continue along the Krasny Liman and Rubtsy axes to seize the major railway junction and logistics hub of Krasny Liman, as well as the villages of Drobyshevo and Yarovaya.
Assault units of the South group are fighting their way into Konstantinovka. Forty-five percent of the built-up area in the town is now under our control. The city of Seversk has been liberated.
The Centre group of forces is engaged in the destruction of encircled enemy formations east of Krasnoarmeysk, which is now fully under our control. Units of the 2nd Army have liberated the village of Rovnoye, with combat operations ongoing in the area of Svetloye.
The entire southern part of Dimitrov has been cleared, with fighting continuing in the city centre and in the north and northeast parts of the city. Furthermore, the units of this group are making successful advances in the Dnepropetrovsk Region, engaged in battles to liberate the village of Novopavlovka.
Troops of the East group, having crossed the Gaichur River in several sectors, are developing an offensive in the south of the Dnepropetrovsk Region and the eastern part of the Zaporozhye Region. Street fighting continues in the effort to capture Gulyaipole.
Troops of the Dnepr group in the Zaporozhye sector have liberated the village of Novodanilovka. Combat operations are continuing to seize Primorskoye and to destroy enemy forces encircled in Stepnogorsk.
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
The assigned tasks for the liberation of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, are being executed in accordance with the approved plan.
This concludes my report.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you, Mr Gerasimov.
I note positive momentum across all sectors. The liberation of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, is proceeding steadily and in a coordinated manner, in line with your plans and those of the General Staff. The strategic initiative remains firmly with the Russian Armed Forces.
I would now like to address Sergei Medvedev. At our last meeting, you reported on the progress of dispatching missions by the South group of forces, including in the areas around Seversk and Konstantinovka. How do things stand now?
Commander of the South Group of Forces Sergei Medvedev: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
In accordance with the special military operation plan, the South group of forces continues to carry out missions aimed at securing control over the northern part of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
In the Kramatorsk-Druzhkovka direction, the group’s units are advancing along a broad front, concentrating their efforts on liberating the town of Konstantinovka. Despite enemy resistance, assault units of the 3rd Army Corps are moving forward in the eastern and south-eastern parts of the town. Street fighting continues in the north-east of the town and its industrial zone.
Concurrently, the 4th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade has completed the liberation of Ivanopolye and has begun assault operations in the southern areas of Konstantinovka.
On the group’s left flank, motor rifle units are expanding their area of control north of the Kleban-Byk Reservoir and are engaged in fighting to liberate Stepanovka.
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Units of the 3rd Army, advancing in the Seversk direction, have completed the liberation of Seversk, thereby creating conditions for further offensive towards Slavyansk. The successful liberation of the city was made possible by a carefully coordinated fire assault involving missile forces, artillery, aviation and unmanned aviation units.
Allow me to request that Lieutenant General Igor Kuzmenkov, commander of the 3rd Army, provide a more detailed report on the liberation of Seversk.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, just a moment.
Mr Medvedev, I would like to say the following. When we met on November 20, at a West group command post, you told me that Seversk would be under our control no later than December 15.
I remember a trip I once made to Daghestan. It was long ago, after one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations of that period was completed – one that remains relevant to us even today. I met with the service personnel there, including local volunteers. A woman standing nearby – a beautiful young local woman – approached me, took me by the hand and said: “You said it, and you have done it. A real man.” I would like to relay these words to you and to all your commanders and soldiers: “You said it, and you have it. A real man.” Thank you for your work.
However, I would like to stress that, certainly, it became possible exclusively due to the well-coordinated efforts by the commanders of the group of forces, its units, the headquarters of all levels, which ensured meticulous planning of all the efforts, all combat actions, as well as resolving the issues of coordination and comprehensive support.
The role of the personnel in general and of the junior commanders during the preparation, joint training and coordination of assault groups must be highlighted.
Thank you all for your service, comrades.
Please, let’s continue. Mr Kuzmenkov, please, you have the floor.
Commander of the 3: Comrade Supreme Commander, good afternoon, sir.
During the preparations for the offensive, it became clear that the enemy had created multilayered defences in the eastern part of the city of Seversk and on the approaches to it. The enemy concentrated main efforts in industrial zones, and a system of fortified areas, strongholds, and long-term firing points was built in the city’s residential areas.
In order to reduce personnel losses, we decided to first block the city from three sides and cut off logistics routes. To this end, the city was encircled in converging directions by the units of the 6th Motor Rifle Brigade from the north and the 123rd Motor Rifle Brigade from the south. Subsequently, with the advance units of the brigades reaching the southern and northern outskirts of Seversk, a consistent assault of the city quarters was carried out. The enemy resisted most fiercely in the high-rise quarter, at the dolomite factory, at the bakery complex, and at the railway station, where fortified defence sites had been erected.
Concurrently, units of the 7th and 88th Separate Motor Rifle Brigades made a deep penetrating manoeuvre from the north and south and cut off the main logistics routes west of Seversk. The enemy began a chaotic retreat. As a result of the operation, Seversk has been completely taken under our control.
Currently, mop-up measures are being carried out in the city to seek and eliminate individual servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are trying to hide in the buildings.
Comrade Supreme Commander-In-Chief,
Army formations and military units continue to conduct offensive operations with a general direction towards the city of Slavyansk.
This concludes my report.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Kuzmenkov, thank you very much.
We understand that by creating this fortified area on the outskirts of Seversk and in the city itself, the enemy hoped that we would get bogged down trying to assault the city, and thus they would be able to hold back our offensive.
The adversary has completely failed. And you have managed to achieve everything you planned and everything you intended to do. My congratulations.
As I have previously stated, middle and senior-level commanders are directly involved in these operations. One such commander is present here today.
Mr Pirogov, I invite you to provide a report on the events in which you participated directly.
You have the floor.
Commander of the 123rd Motor Rifle Brigade Denis Pirogov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
The most challenging aspect of securing the city of Seversk was gaining control of the tactical defensive line on its approaches. The enemy had constructed a network of strongpoints there, comprising trenches, dugouts, and pillboxes; some fortifications extended to depths of two metres.
Once this line was overcome, the enemy continued to actively control the city’s eastern outskirts. In response, brigade assault groups immediately began clearing and storming the railway line into Seversk, known as the Southern Gates.
I must note the lack of coordination between the UAF 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade and its 54th Mechanised Brigade. Our forces exploited this discrepancy to organise and deploy our own assault groups. While Ukrainian units observed our movements from the east, we advanced covertly from the southern axis to position these groups.
From the initiation of our assault until the enemy became aware of our presence within the city, we maintained sufficient combat strength to establish control over the area.
Assault operations began on a localised scale, originating from the southern outskirts and initially covering three streets, before expanding to a further four. In concert with the 6th Brigade, we conducted daily assaults on enemy fortified positions. The enemy offered resistance but, under sustained pressure from our assault groups, were forced to retreat to prepared positions in the city centre.
Through the combined efforts of the 6th and 123rd brigades, the enemy was prevented from consolidating in the centre. They were subsequently driven to the western bank of the Bakhmutka River, where they were neutralised by coordinated strikes from FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and artillery. Remaining disorganised groups on the western outskirts were later eliminated by the joint action of our two brigades.
Seversk is now under the full control of the 123rd and 6th brigades. These units continue to execute their assigned combat tasks in the western direction, in the area of the community of Slavyansk.
This concludes my report.
Vladimir Putin: Well done. I congratulate you.
We have New Year coming soon, and everybody, the entire country is getting ready for celebrations. Some will bake sweet pirozhki, some pancakes. Some are making steel for our defence industry moving forward. And some, in the course of the special military operations, are carrying out their combat missions, fighting on the frontline, preparing their gifts to the Motherland, their gifts to Russia, standing by their “stoves” and working there, executing their service and risking their lives.
I will ask now to connect me to one of such points in the area of the special military operation. And I will ask assault group commander Naran Ochirgoryayev and two of his unit members to report on the situation just where there are.
Please.
Company commander, 6th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, Naran Ochigoryayev: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Assault company commander of the 3rd motor rifle battalion Lieutenant Ochirgoryayev reports.
I am staying in the fire station building. Next to my position are the dolomite factory, the railway station, and the Victory Park.
In the course of liberating the city of Seversk …
(Lost connection.)
Valery Gerasimov: This is the effect of the enemy’s electronic jamming.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, it’s clear.
Ok. We will listen to the Naran Ochirgoryayev’s report later. We will hear it in full.
I would like to emphasise once again that the motor rifle units that demonstrate their best, undoubtedly constitute the basic potential of our Armed Forces. I would like to thank all the guys, all servicemen and commanders for their combat efforts.
And, in conclusion.
Comrades! The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to fulfil the tasks of the special military operation and are steadily advancing across the entire front.
We are creating a security belt in the Ukrainian border areas in a planned manner. We also continue to liquidate the encircled enemy forces on the eastern bank of the Oskol River and in Dimitrov.
We can see that the Kiev regime actually dooms them to destruction, not allowing the Ukrainian forces blockaded in these areas to stop resistance and surrender.
The advance of the Vostok group of forces in the Zaporozhye Region is proceeding at a fast pace.
Naturally, I can see the successful operations by the South group of forces, primarily by the 3rd Army units. The liberation of Seversk and the successful offensive operation in this area considerably contribute to a new successful, I do not doubt it, advance in other areas, to the expulsion of Ukrainian forces from our territory and the restoration of peaceful life in Donbass.
I ask you to convey my most heartfelt gratitude to all the personnel who took part in the liberation of the city of Seversk.
The commanders of the groups of forces must continue to carry out their missions while strictly adhering to the plan of the special military operation.
Thank you all, comrades. That’s where we will wrap up the meeting.
Mr Gerasimov, I will contact you again and talk with you.
Thank you very much.
Well, we will also talk with the brigade commander. I will ask him to tell me in greater detail about how the combat mission was unfolding and how you assess the situation at the moment.
Thank you.
I see we have now been connected with the troops. Can you hear us?
Naran Ochirgoryayev: Comrade Supreme Commander-in Chief!
The commander of the assault company of the 3rd Motor Rifle Battalion, Lieutenant Ochirgoryayev, reports. I am staying in the building of the fire station, near to the dolomite factory, Victory Park, and the railway station.
During the liberation of the city of Seversk, 115 residential buildings, 208 technical structures, and a dolomite factory were liberated. Also liberated were <…>. Twenty-eight assault groups of 84 men participated in the liberation. During the assault, the enemy offered stiff resistance in the buildings of the Seversky dolomite factory and the railway station.
Thanks to the confident, daring and unconventional actions of the company’s personnel and confusing the enemy, my company completed its combat mission with minimal losses and is ready to continue offensive operations and carry out the tasks of the special military operation.
The report is complete.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Mr Ochirgoryayev, I congratulate you, all your fighters and those who are by your side, the stormtroopers and all your other subordinates, on the victory. You are near Victory Park. I congratulate you on your victory. You are doing well and you are going to do well.
Thank you for your service.
And I ask you to please change your current location while you are in contact with us.
I wish you all the best. I embrace you tightly. Good luck.