Russian Defence Ministry on progress of special military operation as of 20 January 2026
In response to Ukraine’s terrorist attacks on civilian facilities on the territory of Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a massive strike at long-range, ground- and air-based high-precision weapons, as well as on Ukrainian defence industry, energy and transport infrastructure used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ammunition depots, and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.
The goals of the strike were achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged.
Units of the Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. The Group’s units inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised assault brigades, one assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade close to Khrapovshchina, Novaya Sech, Belopolye, and Khoten (Sumy region).
In Kharkov direction, units of two mechanised brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have been hit near Staritsa, Zakharovka, Okhrimovka, and Volchanskiye Khutora in Kharkov region.
The enemy lost more than 185 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, one Czech-made Vampire MLRS and two field artillery guns. One U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar station, two electronic warfare stations, and seven ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised.
Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on formations of six mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, and two national guard brigades have been defeated near Krasny Liman, Drobyishevo, Krestishche, Shchurovo (Donetsk People’s Republic), Kovsharovka, Cherneshchina, Berezovka, Grushevka, and Glushkovka (Kharkov region).
Up to 200 troops, two tanks, 28 motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made Paladin self-propelled artillery system were neutralised. Six ammunition depots were wiped out.
Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Russian troops launched attacks on manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU close to Slavyansk, Krivaya Luka, Kurtovka, Stepanovka, Nikiforovka, Reznikovka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).
The AFU losses amounted to more than 145 troops, 12 motor vehicles, one Stryker armoured personnel carrier, two HMMWV armoured vehicles, and one U.S.-made Paladin self-propelled artillery system. Moreover, one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar, three electronic warfare stations, and one material depot were neutralised.
tional guard brigades close to Belitskoye, Dobropolye, Sukhetskoye, Grishino, Samarskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic), and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region).
The AFU losses amounted to more than 425 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, five armoured fighting vehicles, and two pickup trucks.
The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy’s defences. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade close to Lyubitskoye, Tersyanka, Zelenaya Dibrova, Charivnoye, Zarnitsa (Zaporozhye region), Skotovatoye and Velikomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).
The enemy has lost more than 230 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns. One materiel depot was destroyed.
Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on units of an AFU mountain assault brigade near Novoyakovlevka and Magdalinovka (Zaporozhye region).
Up to 55 troops, three motor vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations were neutralised.
Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on command posts and temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 158 areas.
Air defence systems shot down four guided aerial bombs, five HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 254 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.
In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost:
670 aircraft,
283 helicopters,
110,154 unmanned aerial vehicles,
646 anti-aircraft missile systems,
27,224 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles,
1,644 MLRS combat vehicles,
32,701 field artillery guns and mortars,
52,351 units of support military vehicles.