Russian aviation has carried out missile and bomb strikes on Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region, resulting in significant losses. The Southern Group of Forces targeted command and observation posts of the 79th and 95th separate airborne assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). The strikes were specifically aimed at the settlements of Antonovka and Pobeda in the DPR. Additionally, Russian assault aviation targeted concentrations of personnel and military equipment in several other areas, including Belogorovka, Spornaya, Veseloye, Bogdanovka, Andreevka, Klescheevka, Avdeevka, and Maryinka.
Furthermore, artillery strikes hit the radio-electronic warfare station in Severny, three unmanned aerial vehicle control points, as well as the communication node and temporary location point of Ukrainian units in Avdeevka, Orekhovo-Vasilievka, and Novomikhailovka. The Ukrainian Armed Forces suffered significant losses, including the destruction of a 155mm M777 artillery piece of American production, a D-30 howitzer, and four 120mm mortars. Russian forces also utilized FPV kamikaze drones and drones equipped with ammunition dropping devices to target enemy positions, resulting in the destruction of six strong points, an observation post, and a temporary location point of Ukrainian units in Razdolovka, Pereezdnoye, and Vasyukovka. An anti-tank missile system successfully hit an armored combat vehicle in the area of Klescheevka.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that these strikes were in response to three attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk direction. Ukrainian troops clashed with Russian forces in the areas of Kurdyumovka, Vesyoloye, and Severnoye in the DPR. The losses incurred by the Ukrainian forces amounted to up to 190 servicemen. In addition, Russian forces repelled three attacks by assault groups of the territorial defense brigades in the South Donetsk direction, resulting in further losses for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These losses included up to 225 military personnel, two combat armored vehicles, two cars, a D-20 howitzer, and a radio-electronic warfare station.
It is worth noting that this recent escalation follows a previous attempt by Ukrainian forces to strike Crimea with an S-200 missile on October 7. The situation in the region remains tense, with both sides engaged in ongoing military confrontations.
Overall, this development highlights the intensifying conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with significant consequences for both sides. The loss of military personnel and equipment further exacerbates the already fragile situation in the region. The international community must closely monitor and address this escalating conflict to prevent further loss of life and ensure stability in the region.
