Ukraine’s Defense Forces are pressing their offensive in the Donetsk region, particularly along the Dobropillya axis, where they advanced several kilometers into Russian defensive lines. Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine regained control of a number of settlements and neutralized threats from Russian sabotage-and-reconnaissance groups.
According to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian troops breached Russian defenses by 3–7 kilometers on the Dobropillya axis. Control has been restored in seven settlements, and nine areas have been fully cleared of sabotage groups.
The total area liberated stands at 160 square kilometers, with another 171 square kilometers inspected and cleared of Russian groups. Russian forces have suffered 2,456 personnel losses, including 1,322 irrecoverable, Syrskyi said. He added these results helped replenish the “exchange fund” to bring Ukrainian servicemembers home from captivity.
Russia also took significant equipment losses: 817 pieces of weaponry and military hardware destroyed, including 12 tanks, 37 armored fighting vehicles, 162 artillery systems, 5 multiple launch rocket systems, 382 vehicles, 58 motorcycles, 1 item of special equipment and 160 drones.
As of 10 p.m. on September 19, there had been 124 combat engagements since the start of the day, Ukraine’s General Staff reported. On the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka fronts, Ukrainian troops repelled numerous attacks, inflicting heavy losses: 195 personnel, including 124 irrecoverable, as well as destroying equipment and damaging artillery positions and shelters.
On the Northern-Slobozhansky and Kursk sectors, Ukrainian forces repelled seven Russian assaults, with one more engagement ongoing. On the Southern-Slobozhansky sector, Russian troops launched five attacks near Vovchansk, Fyholivka and toward Otradne; one battle is still underway. On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian forces beat back two of three attacks. On the Lyman front, Russian troops attacked 15 times near Novomykhailivka, Shandryholove, Kolodiazy, Torske, Zarichne and toward Stavky, Novoselivka and Serednie.
On the Toretsk front, Russian forces mounted 16 assaults, with four clashes continuing, while on the Siversk front Ukrainian defenders repelled three attacks near Vyimka and Dronivka. Meanwhile, on the Kramatorsk, Orikhiv and Prydniprovia fronts, Russian attempts to break through failed, though several airstrikes were carried out.
Russia renewed its push toward the village of Lyptsi in the Kharkiv region, while on the Southern-Slobozhansky sector Russian forces unsuccessfully attacked Ukrainian positions in Vovchansk.
