The units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a Russian column in the Kursk region where Lieutenant General Esedulla Abachev, deputy commander of the Sever (North – ed.) group of forces, was present.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported the attack.
According to the agency, on the night of August 16–17th, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian column on the Rylsk-Khomutovka highway.
OSINT analysts said the strike had hit near the settlement of Zhuryatino. The type of weapon used has not been disclosed, but it is likely to have been high-precision rocket artillery.
Location: south of Zhuryatino (Журятино), Kursk Oblast, Russia at 51.61999, 34.70657 https://t.co/ko2mqgShmo @UAControlMap #geoconfirmed @GeoConfirmed
At least 3 damaged or burned Russian transporters and burning grass. pic.twitter.com/qlCCMnlvNZ— blinzka (@blinzka) August 16, 2025
As a result of the attack, Abachev was seriously wounded and urgently evacuated by plane to Moscow. Ukrainian intelligence reported that his arm and leg were amputated.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Abachev commanded the 2nd Guards Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District.
He also took part in the Syrian campaign.
Earlier, on July 10th, it was reported that Colonel Sergey Yurievich Ilyin, a brigade commander, and Colonel Leonid Viktorovich Bashkardin, chief of staff, had been killed in a Ukrainian strike.
