Kathrine Frich
Nearby cars and buildings were also heavily damaged in the intense attack.
Nearby cars and buildings were also heavily damaged in the intense attack.
Crushing Blow to Russian Command
Ukraine launched a wave of drone and missile attacks across Russian-occupied territories, reportedly killing two senior Russian military leaders.
The strikes targeted Donetsk, Crimea, and Russia’s Rostov region.
Commander of Russia’s 8th Army Confirmed Dead
Colonel Ruslan Goryachkin, the commander of Russia’s 8th Combined Arms Army, was killed in Donetsk when a Storm Shadow missile hit the army’s headquarters.
His death was later confirmed by Ukrainian sources and acknowledged on public forums in Abkhazia.
HQ Devastated in Donetsk Strike
The missile strike destroyed the Russian military HQ, housed in the Donetsk Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals.
The explosion sparked a massive fire, seen in dramatic videos posted online, as flames engulfed the building and surrounding areas.
Social Media Captures the Chaos
Footage circulating on social media shows a raging inferno at the blast site, with firefighters struggling to contain the blaze.
Nearby cars and buildings were also heavily damaged in the intense attack.
Dozens of Russian Officers Reportedly Killed
While Russian officials have yet to confirm exact numbers, initial reports suggest “dozens” of officers perished in the strike, dealing a major setback to Russia’s command structure in eastern Ukraine.
Vice Admiral Ildar Akhmerov Reportedly Killed in Crimea
In a separate but potentially coordinated blow, Ukrainian special forces are believed to have eliminated Vice Admiral Ildar Akhmerov, First Deputy Commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, during a covert operation in Crimea.
Outrage Among Russian Bloggers
Russian military bloggers, including Z-channel commentators, expressed outrage over the alleged assassination of Akhmerov.
One wrote: “This is war… we await a response from the decision-making centres.”
Goryachkin’s Background: From Abkhazia to Donetsk
Colonel Goryachkin was born in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, a breakaway region from Georgia.
His military career led him to command a major Russian formation in occupied Ukraine, where he ultimately died “performing his duty.”
Storm Shadow Missiles: Ukraine’s Western-Backed Arsenal
The deadly strikes were carried out using Storm Shadow missiles, long-range, precision-guided weapons supplied by the UK.
These have become a game-changer for Ukraine’s ability to target strategic Russian positions.
