Russia claims over 230 Ukrainian soldiers killed

Vadim Astafyev, the spokesperson for Russia’s Battlegroup South, has stated that more than 230 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the past 24 hours. The Russian news agency TASS reported the information on Saturday.

Astafyev said that the Ukrainian forces suffered significant losses. Russian joint units and assault drone teams destroyed five Ukrainian armoured vehicles—three of which were Western-made—along with 19 automobiles, four field artillery guns, an electronic warfare station, and four depots storing ammunition and fuel.

He added that drone units operating in the Siversk direction struck two Ukrainian UAV control centres, a Starlink terminal, and six communication antennas. Meanwhile, units in the Kramatorsk area destroyed a ground-based robotic complex, downed an R-18 octocopter, and targeted a UAV control centre, a Starlink terminal, and several communication antennas.

In addition, drone units in the southern part of Konstantinivka destroyed three ground robotic systems, a temporary base, and six Ukrainian dugouts, according to Astafyev.

In international affairs, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that although Russia always supports peace, the country remains prepared for potential conflict. Speaking to State TV Channel One on Friday, he noted that peace is desirable, but readiness for the worst-case scenario is also essential.

His comments followed those of Russia’s ambassador to Belgium, Denis Gonchar, who warned that NATO and the European Union were preparing for a major confrontation with Russia.

The Kremlin reiterated that diplomatic solutions remain their priority, though Western military preparations continue to complicate the situation.

Khaborwala/TSN