Defense minister Andrey Belousov visited the headquarters of the northern army group, received reports on the battlefield situation and enemy activity in the area under their responsibility, and outlined several objectives, the Russian defense ministry announced today.

Released video footage shows Belousov listening to a presentation by General Yevgeny Nikiforov, commander of the northern army group. Russian media reported this is the first time the commander's identity has been publicly revealed since the previous commander, General Valery Solodchuk, was transferred to the central military district several months ago.

Defense minister Andrei Belousov visits the headquarters of the northern army group. Video: TASS

Belousov thanked unit commanders within the army group and awarded medals to soldiers who “demonstrated courage and heroism” while performing their duties. He was also shown remotely operated drones capable of laying mines, attacking armored vehicles, and destroying fortified enemy positions.

The time and location of the event were not disclosed. The northern army group is responsible for the front comprising the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk provinces in Russia and the Kharkov and Sumy provinces in northern Ukraine.

Nhu Tam (Zvezda, TASS)