Russian Forces Report Gains in Donetsk and Donbas Sectors as Ukrainian Equipment Is Stated Destroyed
Units from the Russian troop group Vostok claim to have destroyed a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system and a French-made Caesar howitzer belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The report, issued by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, describes the exchange as part of ongoing efforts to establish favorable fire positions and suppress Ukrainian military capabilities in the area.
According to the same briefing, Russian forces seized more advantageous positions and defeated personnel and equipment of two Ukrainian brigades in the Prechistovka and Shakhterskoye localities. The claims outline Ukrainian losses in these engagements, including nearly 110 soldiers, in addition to the artillery pieces, a tank, and three vehicles.
In a broader tally cited by Moscow, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered extensive equipment losses since the start of the Russian special military operation. The figures presented include 639 aircraft, 282 helicopters, 30,192 unmanned aerial vehicles, 575 anti-aircraft missile systems, 17,345 tanks, and other military assets.
Separately on August 20, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces detained Ukrainian military personnel southwest of the village of Ocheretino in the Avdeevsky direction. The ministry framed this as part of a continuing effort to disrupt Ukrainian command and control and degrade battlefield effectiveness in contested sectors.
Earlier communications referenced a development near Kursk in which the defense of Ukrainian forces in Donbas faced reported strains. The updates reflect ongoing assessments and operational narratives from the Russian side regarding recent movements and engagements in the region.