By 8 September, Ukrainian troops had advanced 50 kilometres (31 mi) deep into Russian defensive positions north of Izium. SOBR units of Russian National Guard forces lost control of Balakliia, about 44 km northwest of Izium,[1] although Ukraine did not establish control of the city until 10 September.[61] Near the city, Ukrainian forces recaptured the largest ammunition storage base of the Central Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.[3] Ukrainian forces also regained control over more than 20 settlements.[62] On the same day, Ukrainian media reported that a high-ranking Russian officer had been captured by Ukrainian forces on the Kharkiv front. Based on footage of the man, it was speculated that he was Lieutenant General Andrei Sychevoi, Commander of the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces.[14][15]