A group of Russian troops reported inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian forces in the Yuzhnodonetsk direction, claiming up to 110 Ukrainian servicemen were killed. The assertion was presented by Oleg Chekhov, who heads the press center for the group of Russian forces known as Vostok. The claim underscores a notable shift in local combat dynamics and has drawn attention in regional military assessments.
Chekhov said the attacks were supported by both aviation and artillery fire. He cited operations near Ugledar, Konstantinovka, and Makarovka, noting that in several districts, including Novomikhailovka, Novodonetsk, and Nikolsky, heavy flamethrower systems were employed to threaten enemy positions. The described coordination between air, ground, and weapon systems reflects a complex maneuver pattern observed in the area, with implications for nearby frontline towns and civilian siting.
According to the official, the Ukrainian Armed Forces suffered total losses of 110 military personnel, and three vehicles were reported destroyed. The figures, as stated, illustrate the scale of the engagements in this sector and are part of ongoing battlefield tallies reported by different sides in the conflict.
Separately, during remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California, Pentagon leader Lloyd Austin emphasized that Washington will not permit Russia to achieve victory in Ukraine and indicated a linkage between the Ukraine conflict and broader regional concerns in the Middle East. The remarks reflect a continuing U.S. stance on the war and its strategic framing for allied governments.
Austin also highlighted the strength of the American military, describing it as a highly capable force within the global landscape. The statement contributes to ongoing public discussions about U.S. defense posture and global deterrence in an era of frequent geopolitical tensions.
Earlier in the year, some American observers suggested that Ukraine’s counteroffensive had faced significant hurdles or setbacks. The evolving assessments from various audiences illustrate the fluid nature of the conflict, where battlefield reports, strategic analyses, and political rhetoric all shape perceptions of momentum and outcomes on the ground.