Ukraine’s Defense Forces have halted the spring-summer offensive campaign of the Russian occupation army and continue to disrupt the Kremlin’s further plans. In September, Russia’s armed forces lost nearly 29,000 troops, a significant amount of equipment, and the strikes on enemy rear areas are becoming increasingly tangible both for the military and for the economy of the aggressor state.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
This was reported on October 17 by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. He noted that Ukrainian defenders are taking asymmetric measures to neutralize the enemy’s advantage in manpower and weaponry and continue to hold back the occupiers on all fronts.
“Despite the fact that the situation in the areas of hostilities remains difficult, the enemy does not fully possess the strategic initiative. At the cost of enormous losses, the enemy has only minor advances in certain sectors of the front,” the general described the situation.
Russian invaders’ losses in September 2025:
- nearly 29,000 troops (killed and wounded);
- 70 tanks;
- 65 armored combat vehicles;
- over 1,050 artillery systems;
- 6 multiple rocket launch systems and other equipment.
Since the beginning of the year, 2,060 Russian servicemen have been captured.
Situation at the front
Syrskyi noted that the Kremlin’s plans to capture key areas and settlements are not being fulfilled and are therefore constantly revised and postponed.
Ukrainian soldiers are maintaining an active defense, but in certain directions, they are also conducting counteroffensive operations.
“Our units are also successfully carrying out assault actions to restore lost positions. In particular, Ukrainian troops continue to push Russian invaders out of Sumy region. Our active operations continue in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk region. We have achieved certain successes in restoring control over territory in Zaporizhzhia region. There are also other areas of the front where the enemy has no gains,” the Commander-in-Chief reported.
Strikes on Russian rear areas
Syrskyi stated that deep strikes on Russian territory are being carried out more effectively than ever before. Within the framework of Deep Strike, Ukrainian forces are destroying military targets, logistics, and the energy complex of the aggressor country.
“The results of this work are becoming increasingly tangible for the Russian army and economy,” he emphasized.
In 2025, the Defense Forces carried out successful strikes on 45 fuel-energy and military-industrial facilities in Russia.
Overall fuel production in Russia has decreased by nearly 25%. Due to reduced exports of petroleum products, the aggressor country loses more than $46 million every day.
Additionally, the destruction of the enemy’s rear resources significantly complicates its ability to conduct active combat operations.
“We also have positive signals regarding the provision of new military aid packages from our allies. In particular, the supply of precision weapons, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and other advanced systems, is being discussed. Their use will greatly strengthen the pressure on the Russian aggressor to end the war and establish a just peace,” Syrskyi stated.
“The Defense Forces of Ukraine maintain resilience, control, and faith in our common success,” the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces concluded.
