Russian Defence Ministry on progress of special military operation as of 16 October 2025
Last night, in response to terrorist attacks launched by the Kiev regime against civilian facilities on the territory of Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a mass strike by long-range ground-, air-, and sea-based precision weaponry, including Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles as well as attack unmanned aerial vehicles at objects of gas and energy infrastructure that ensured operation of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises.
The goal of the strike has been achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged.
Units of the Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of one mechanised brigade, one air assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Varachino, Kondratovka, Pavlovka, and Sadki (Sumy region).
In Kharkov region, losses were inflicted on units of one mechanised brigade and one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU near Vilcha and Volchansk (Kharkov region).
The AFU losses amounted to up to 235 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 17 motor vehicles, and three 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems. One electronic warfare station and four materiel depots were destroyed.
The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Kupyansk, Kurilovka, Petrovka, Sadovoye (Kharkov region), Drobyshevo, Krasny Liman, and Novoselovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).
The AFU losses amounted to more than 230 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle and one UK-made Snatch armoured fighting vehicle, 24 motor vehicles, three artillery guns, including two NATO-made samples, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, 10 electronic warfare stations, and nine ammunition depots.
The Yug Group of Forces’ units improved the situation along the front line. Losses were inflicted on units of four mechanised brigades, one air assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade near Artem, Berestrok, Dronovka, Zvanovka, Ivanopolye, Konstantinovka, Pleshcheyevka, Seversk, and Stepanovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).
The AFU losses amounted to up to 215 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, and 10 motor vehicles. Two ammunition depots and two materiel depots were destroyed.
Roy Gutman