Russian Uragan MLRS Crews Strike Ukrainian Positions in South Donetsk

On April 19, Russian military forces, including the Vostok group, launched strikes on Ukrainian positions in Novomikhailovka, South Donetsk, using Uragan multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) guided by drone crews. The strikes targeted and destroyed defensive structures and equipment of the Ukrainian forces in the area.

According to the Russian military, from April 13 to 19, they carried out 34 precision air and sea-based strikes, hitting Ukrainian energy, military-industrial, and railway infrastructure, as well as air defense facilities, ammunition and fuel depots, and temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.

In the Kupyansk direction, the Russian Zapad group of forces improved the situation along the front line and struck the manpower and hardware of 12 Ukrainian army and National Guard brigades near Kupyansk, Sinkovka, Zagoruykovka, Kotlyarovka in the Kharkiv region, and Stelmakhovka in the Luhansk region. Russian troops improved their frontline positions and repulsed 11 Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kupyansk area, inflicting over 380 casualties on the Ukrainian forces.

In the Donetsk direction, the Russian troops gained more advantageous positions, repulsing 7 counterattacks and inflicting over 3,550 casualties on the Ukrainian forces. In the Avdeyevka direction, the Russian troops repulsed 53 Ukrainian counterattacks, inflicting over 2,170 casualties.

In the south Donetsk area, the Russian troops improved their tactical position and inflicted casualties on 6 Ukrainian brigades, with the Ukrainian forces losing around 760 troops. In the Kherson area, the Russian troops inflicted casualties on 7 Ukrainian brigades, with the Ukrainian forces losing around 365 troops.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides suffering casualties and damage to military infrastructure. The use of precision strikes and advanced weapons systems like the Uragan MLRS highlights the intensity of the fighting and the strategic importance of the region.

The Russian military's claims of successful strikes and repelled Ukrainian counterattacks underscore their efforts to maintain and improve their positions in the contested areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions. As the conflict persists, the human toll and the impact on the region's stability remain significant concerns for the international community.

Key Takeaways

• Russia launched strikes on Ukrainian positions in Novomikhailovka, South Donetsk.
• Russia carried out 34 precision strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets.
• Russian forces repelled 11 Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kupyansk area, inflicting 380+ casualties.
• Russian troops gained advantageous positions in Donetsk, repelling 53 counterattacks and inflicting 2,170+ casualties.
• The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides suffering casualties and damage to military infrastructure.