Russian general involved in Donetsk offensives reportedly killed in Ukrainian strike

Lt. Gen. Sergei Milchakov, the commander of Russia’s 51st Combined Arms Army, reportedly died in a Ukrainian strike on a Russian military command post in the Donetsk Oblast last month, according to Russian media on September 14. The incident is believed to have occurred on August 26, as confirmed by the General Staff on August 27.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry stated that precision strikes destroyed concealed Russian command posts in the region, though the extent of Russian officer losses remained unclear. If confirmed, Milchakov's death would mark the 23rd Russian general killed in the conflict with Ukraine. The Russian independent outlet Vazhniye Istorii noted that Russia has not officially confirmed his demise, suggesting a potential leak regarding the command post's location from within.

Ukraine has yet to confirm Milchakov's death. The Ukrainian city of Donetsk, where Milchakov's forces operated, remains a crucial focus for Russian military objectives. Vazhniye Istorii indicated that Milchakov oversaw operations in key settlements such as Avdiivka and New York during his tenure as commander of the 1st Donetsk Army Corps, a position he assumed in 2022 following the death of Maj. Gen. Roman Kutuzov near Popasna.