Russian forces capture Ivanovka in Kharkiv region, begin mine clearance

Russian military forces have established control over Ivanovka, a settlement in the Kharkiv region, according to announcements by the Russian Defense Ministry on August 8, 2026. Units of the 'Sever' (North) troop grouping secured the village following offensive operations, with the 126th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 71st Motor Rifle Division playing a direct role in the capture.

According to Russian military statements, engineering units began demining buildings, basements, and surrounding areas after the settlement was cleared. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces attempted to reinforce the village using personnel from the 159th Mechanized Brigade, but stated that Russian reconnaissance identified movement routes and destroyed the advancing units. The ministry released video footage showing artillery strikes and drone attacks during the operation.

The capture of Ivanovka is part of a broader series of territorial changes in the region. According to Russian sources, the 'Sever' grouping has secured multiple settlements in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions in early August 2026, including Aniskino (August 7), Baksheevka (August 4), Belyy Kolodets and Ustinova (August 3), and Ryzhevka in Sumy region (August 5).

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces lost approximately 1,375 military personnel across all operational areas in a 24-hour period. The ministry also claimed destruction of air defense systems, multiple rocket launchers, artillery pieces, and 828 unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the ministry's cumulative figures since the start of military operations, Russian forces have destroyed 30,489 tanks and armored vehicles, 1,769 multiple rocket launcher systems, and 36,087 field artillery guns and mortars.