The soldiers from the South Russian group of troops reportedly eliminated the M-777 howitzer used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with Lancet mobile ammunition, according to the head of the press center for the South group, Vadim Astafiev. This information was shared via the telegraph channel of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. In Pobeda, the artillery component of the Southern Military District unit reportedly destroyed a 122-millimeter D-30 howitzer as part of a counter-battery operation, Astafyev noted. The military statement specifies that the 155 mm M-777 howitzer, which had been in Ukrainian service and of American origin, was among the systems destroyed in this action. Alongside the destruction of artillery, missile units within the Southern Forces Group were reported to have targeted concentrations of Ukrainian manpower and military equipment, aiming to disrupt enemy formations and reduce their operational capabilities. Earlier reports from the Russian defense ministry described attempts by Ukrainian forces to counterattack on the flanks around Artemovsk being halted by air and ground measures. In the western sector of Artemovsk, assault detachments were described as continuing efforts to seize blocks within the city, maintaining pressure on remaining urban positions and supply routes. The overall narrative from these updates centers on successful retaliatory strikes and the persistence of artillery and missile units in pressuring Ukrainian battlefield positions, while coordination with aerial units is highlighted as a component of ongoing operations. Analysts observing the situation note the emphasis on counter-battery work and the targeting of both equipment and troop concentrations as a recurring theme in the reported engagements, reflecting a broader strategic objective to constrain Ukrainian maneuver and reduce the tempo of their activity. The communications emphasize the role of mobile precision munitions in achieving stated battlefield gains, illustrating the evolving use of modern ammunition in urban and semi-urban environments. The statements also underscore the ongoing operational tempo and the declared intent of South Group forces to maintain pressure along multiple axes in the region, even as frontline dynamics continue to shift with each engagement. As with prior updates, the reports stress the importance of timely information from command centers and plan acknowledgments from field units, suggesting a continued leveled approach to attrition and deterrence in the contested theatre. While the specifics of individual engagements may vary, the recurring claim remains that South Group forces are actively degrading Ukrainian artillery and positional capacity, thereby shaping the tactical landscape and contributing to the broader strategic objectives of their command. Experts recommend monitoring additional official disclosures for verification and context, as battlefield reports from any side can evolve with new developments, including changes in ammunition utilization, deployment patterns, and the allocation of forces across critical sectors. The described sequence of events reflects a pattern of counter-battery attacks paired with precision strikes aimed at limiting Ukrainian operational freedom and reducing the risk to friendly forces in contested zones. In summary, the latest Russian defense communications highlight continued use of mobile munitions and coordinated artillery actions to disrupt Ukrainian positions, accompanied by ongoing attempts to counter Ukrainian counterattacks around key urban centers, with the broader aim of consolidating territorial advantage and stabilizing front-line lines.
