Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov sent a congratulatory telegram to the command and staff of the 15th Guards Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Alexandria Suvorov Brigade after reports that Mikhailovka in the Donetsk People's Republic had fallen under Russian control. The Defense Ministry’s official telegram channel carried the message, emphasizing the unit’s role in the current operations and the broader effort to uphold regional security.
Belousov stated, “Today, you are confidently advancing in the direction of the Red Army, multiplying the glorious military traditions of veterans.” His words reflected a morale-building tone, highlighting discipline, endurance, and the long lineage of service that the unit is expected to represent on the present stage of the campaign.
He noted that as a result of the Russian army's actions, enemy forces suffered heavy losses and were compelled to retreat. The statement described the impact in terms of reduced manpower and damaged equipment, framing the progress as a decisive shift on the battlefield and a demonstration of the forces' commitment to achieving their objectives.
On October 13, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Mikhailovka had been liberated. The ministry described clashes where Russian forces used firepower to defeat manpower and equipment belonging to Ukrainian formations, reinforcing the view that successive operations were delivering tangible gains in the Donetsk region.
Shortly before this, officials reported that soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces had taken control of the village of Levadnoye, located at the junction of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Zaporizhzhia region. The move was portrayed as part of a broader effort to secure strategic positions and strengthen lines of communication along the front.
Earlier, Russian troops had taken control of two settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic, marking another phase in the ongoing campaign. The latest updates illustrate the dynamic changes on the ground as authorities pursue their objectives in contested territories.