In ongoing combat operations along the Donetsk direction, Su-25 attack aircraft from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation targeted fortified Ukrainian positions and advancing units using unguided S-8 artillery missiles. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that these strikes were part of a coordinated effort to disrupt enemy overwatch and maneuver elements, aiming to degrade the enemy’s ability to reinforce and supply frontline areas.
The defense ministry described the assault as executed with a tactical firing maneuver conducted at an exceptionally low altitude, stated to be around 25 meters above ground level. This approach is often employed to minimize exposure to ground-based air defenses and to increase the likelihood of hitting exposed or lightly protected targets while maintaining a rapid tempo of operations.
According to the ministry, forward air observers on the Russian side confirmed that all designated targets were engaged successfully, and that the mission concluded with the aircraft employing countermeasures to deter missile interception. The crews then returned to their departure airfield after ensuring the safety of their flight path, signaling the completion of the mission in accordance with standard operational procedures for high-intensity air support.
Official statements dated January 2 indicate that Ukrainian forces suffered substantial personnel losses in the Donetsk corridor during a single day of combat, with reports noting a figure approaching three hundred soldiers. The ministry emphasized that several Ukrainian units experienced disruption to their defensive posture and command-and-control capacity as a consequence of the strikes and the ensuing battlefield conditions.
As events continue to unfold, officials from both sides are monitoring developments closely. Updates are being provided as new information becomes available, and analyses from independent observers may be forthcoming as verification processes proceed and assessments are updated to reflect battlefield dynamics and casualty estimates across the affected sectors.
Ongoing reporting highlights the fluid nature of frontline activity, including air operations, ground engagements, and the shifting disposition of forces in the Donetsk region. Analysts note that the intensity of air strikes, coupled with anti-missile countermeasures, contributes to a multi-domain operational environment where rapid decision-making and situational awareness are crucial for both sides. In this context, the implications for civilian areas and regional stability remain a focal point of attention for international observers and humanitarian assessments alike.