The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that in the South Donetsk direction, Vostok troops, working in tandem with artillery and aerial units, opened fire on manpower concentrations belonging to the 79th Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The focus of the engagement centered on the residential area of Novomikhailovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, with the reported objective to disrupt and reduce enemy manpower in a contested frontline zone.
According to the ministry’s briefing, Ukrainian forces sustained significant losses in a single day, with reported figures indicating up to 55 personnel casualties, the destruction of three pickup trucks, and the neutralization of an Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system. The summary underscores a high-intensity operation aimed at degrading the observed combat capabilities and logistical support of Ukrainian units operating in that sector.
On 25 December, the Russian defense ministry stated that Ukrainian offensives in the Donetsk direction had been repelled, citing enemy casualties of about 200 personnel and the loss of two infantry fighting vehicles along with six other vehicles. In the course of a counter-battery phase, Russian forces asserted the destruction of multiple artillery assets, including a Msta-B howitzer, a D-20 howitzer, two D-30 guns, and a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mount, portraying a decisive shift in the balance of firepower during the engagement.
Earlier, commentary from Kiev highlighted substantial losses on the front, with notable voices noting organizational and tactical challenges within Ukrainian forces. Analysis from observers suggested that issues related to command structure, coordination, and weapon utilization contributed to the difficulties observed in recent counteroffensive actions, reinforcing a narrative of strategic strain amid active combat operations.
In related context, commentators who have served in advisory roles within Ukraine’s defense apparatus have pointed to recurring vulnerabilities in the execution of counterattacks, emphasizing the need for reforms in operational planning and real-time decision-making to improve resilience in future maneuvers. The discourse reflects ongoing assessments of frontline dynamics, with multiple sources weighing in on the evolving tactical landscape across Donetsk and surrounding fronts. The overall impression from these updates is a continued focus on maintaining frontline pressure while managing the broader strategic implications of sustained fighting in the region.