Russian forces seize Yablukove as operations intensify in Zaporizhzhia
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The Russian Defense Ministry announces the capture of Yablukove in the Zaporizhzhia region as Ukrainian forces suffer major losses.
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Russian servicemen of the Tsentr (Centre) Group of Forces fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Ukrainian positions in the Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) sector of the front line amid Russia's military operation in Ukraine, in the DPR, Russia, on October 17, 2025 (Sputnik)
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday that its forces have taken control of the village of Yablokovo, also known as Yablukove, in the Zaporizhzhia (Zaporozhye) region, as part of an ongoing offensive across multiple frontlines.
In a statement, the Ministry confirmed that the Vostok Group of Forces led the operation to liberate the village. “As a result of resolute actions, the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Yablokovo (Zaporozhye Region),” the Ministry stated.
According to the Defense Ministry, Ukrainian forces sustained heavy losses in the fighting, including a significant number of personnel and over a dozen motor vehicles. Russian forces also captured Ukrainian fortifications spanning more than six square kilometers.
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Significant Ukrainian losses in multiple sectors
In a separate report, the Russian military detailed operations by its Tsentr (Center) Group of Forces, which it said eliminated up to 495 Ukrainian soldiers in 24 hours.
“Over the past day, Russian forces eliminated up to 270 Ukrainian soldiers, 11 pieces of weapons and military equipment,” the statement read, noting that losses included three armored vehicles, three artillery guns, and both electronic warfare and radar systems in the Krasnoarmeisk (also known as Pokrovsk) area.
Across other active fronts, Russia’s regional battle groups reported similar levels of combat intensity.
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Advances made across key frontlines
In the Zapad (West) sector, Russian forces reportedly eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian soldiers, in addition to eight armored fighting vehicles, three artillery guns, and multiple electronic warfare systems.
The Vostok (East) Group, also responsible for the operation in Yablokovo, reported neutralizing more than 265 Ukrainian servicemen, alongside two armored vehicles and a dozen motor vehicles.
On the northern front, Russia’s Sever (North) Group claimed to have killed over 210 Ukrainian troops in a 24-hour period, in addition to seizing military vehicles, artillery, electronic warfare stations, and multiple ammunition and materiel depots.
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Russian Defense Ministry details operation outcomes
In the south, Russia’s Yug (South) Group reported eliminating up to 230 Ukrainian personnel, four armored vehicles, including a German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle, and six field artillery guns, some of which were Western-made.
Meanwhile, the Dnepr Group announced the destruction of a Ukrainian tank, an armored fighting vehicle, and several electronic warfare stations. Ukrainian losses in this sector were reported at 85 troops, along with extensive logistical equipment.
The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that these actions were part of ongoing operations aimed at weakening Ukrainian defensive lines across contested regions.
Escalation in the Zaporizhzhia region
The seizure of Yablokovo marks a further shift in control on the Zaporizhzhia front, where Russian forces have intensified operations amid ongoing hostilities. The advance comes as part of broader military efforts to assert control over strategic points in southeastern Ukraine.
The escalation in the Zaporizhzhia region is reflective of the wider battlefield developments, with both sides engaged in sustained confrontations across the Donbass and southern axes.
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