(DONETSK OBLAST, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces have liberated 420 square kilometres of territory in a four-month counteroffensive near Lyman, pushing Russian troops back across the Zherebets River, while a series of deep strikes inside Russia have targeted military and industrial infrastructure.
In a significant development, a Russian major general was assassinated on 12th September in Donetsk Oblast. Major General Anton Grunis, commander of the Russian 4th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, was killed by two Ukrainian drones that struck a civilian house where he was located.
The operation was carried out by Ukrainian secret services, which have demonstrated a repeated capability for such missions. The general, who had been awarded the Hero of Russia medal only two weeks prior, was a highly valued figure in the Russian army. The manner of his death, with a second drone striking the already burning house, signals that no Russian general is safe, a fact likely to cause paranoia within the highest echelons of the Russian command structure.
This assassination follows a pattern of successful Ukrainian strikes on Russian command posts. A similar strike on 26th August in Donetsk, for which no footage was initially available, has now been confirmed by a series of Russian obituaries. Lieutenant Colonel Andre Moisenko, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Pavof, and Colonel Vicil were among the high-ranking officers killed in that attack on a layered command infrastructure.
The reaction within Russia has been one of frustration and blame. A prominent Russian military blogger noted that despite generals moving around and following operational security, they are still being hunted. “Another rat must have got in. The [ __ ] must have bugged their effing GPS tracker,” he said, suggesting internal betrayal or tracking devices.
He compared the Ukrainian secret services to the Israeli Mossad, noting their systematic, long-term pursuit of high-ranking officers deep inside Russia, including car bombs detonated 1,500 kilometres from the border. He lamented that, in his view, Russia has no further escalation options, stating, “They’re as firm as they can be. There’s nothing else the Russians can do.”
On the frontline, the Ukrainian counteroffensive near Lyman has successfully pushed back a major Russian offensive operation that had penetrated over the Zherebets River. While Russian military blogger Rybar has admitted the loss of 420 square kilometres, the success is described as localized. The operation has been notable for its strict adherence to NATO operational security (OPSEC), with a complete information silence that contrasts with previous flag-planting propaganda operations. Russian blogger Ole Sarv noted, “It is interesting that Ukraine is conducting its offensive near Kras Liman in complete silence.” The Ukrainian operation, involving elite units like the First Army Corps, has demonstrated an effective new tactic.
In a series of deep strikes, Ukrainian drones have hit multiple targets inside Russia. On 13th September, the Nizhnekamsk refinery was struck, with subsequent footage showing the aftermath of Russian anti-aircraft fire, where falling bullets damaged cars, windshields, and apartment windows. On 15th September, the Syzran oil refinery was hit for the twelfth time since March 2024, causing a large fire. On 16th September, cruise missiles and drones struck the Beriev aerospace manufacturing complex in Taganrog, a facility that produces and repairs A-50, A-100, Tu-95, and Tu-142 aircraft. This attack followed the destruction of the city’s remaining air defence system three days earlier. On 17th September, the Rostov military airfield was hit, resulting in the destruction of three helicopters and secondary explosions from ammunition depots. The same day, the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl was also struck.
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