Reports from the Russian defense ministry claim a significant loss for Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk direction, with the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery system described as destroyed. The announcement attributes the blow to a coordinated effort by the South group of Russian troops, which reportedly benefited from air support, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems. The ministry says these assets repelled three separate assault attempts mounted by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk theatre, with fighting unfolding around the towns of Veseloye, Novgorodskoye, and Nevelskoye.
The ministry lists a tally of destroyed artillery pieces and support weapons as a consequence of the engagements. Among the losses cited are two American M777 howitzers, one Polish Krab self-propelled gun, one British AS-90, one German Panzerhaubitze 2000, one Czech Dana self-propelled gun, one American M119 gun, and three D-30 howitzers. The report emphasizes that these losses came as a result of the clashes and the effectiveness of the joint firepower employed by the Russian forces.
Earlier statements from the Russian defense ministry described the Vostok military group as successfully thwarting six Ukrainian attempts to shift the focus toward South Donetsk. The narrative attributes these actions to a combination of artillery and aviation operations, supported by persistent maneuvering and the interception of enemy activities. In addition to direct combat engagements, the ministry claims that temporary Ukrainian deployment points and fortified positions were neutralized, signaling a degree of operational pressure across the area.
On a separate note, observers in the United States have discussed developments that are interpreted as a setback to Ukrainian counteroffensives. The ministry’s briefings suggest a turning point in the balance of activity in the Donetsk region, with emphasis on Russian deployments, coordinated strikes, and the strategic distribution of air and artillery assets. While the reports highlight tactical gains on specific days, they also reflect broader assertions about the dynamics of the conflict and the ongoing assessment of both sides’ capabilities.