Kadyrov’s fighters were driving truck into Melitopol base when Ukraine struck, wiping out Russian aresenal

Aug 18, 2025 - 07:02

The Ukrainian intelligence has dealt a devastating blow to Russian forces in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A new Kyiv operation has burned down an arsenal, destroyed ammunition, and eliminated Russian marines, together with Kadyrov’s fighters in Melitopol.

As of August 2025, the city has been under Russian occupation for over three years. Moscow controls about 70% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including Berdiansk, Tokmak, and Enerhodar. The main danger in the region is the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which Russian forces have mined and turned into a military base.

Explosion in the industrial zone

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), on 16 August 2025, Ukrainian forces incinerated an ammunition depot and blew up Russian military positions.

The explosion occurred when a truck carrying personnel entered the industrial area on Korvatskoho passage.

“As a result, at least six Russian invaders from the marine infantry were eliminated, as well as the UAV crew of the so-called Kadyrov battalion Akhmad-Vostok. The explosion also set fire to the ammunition depot, and secondary detonations were heard,” HUR reports.

“Akhmad-Vostok”: Kadyrov’s punitive squad

The eliminated fighters belonged to the Kadyrovite battalion Akhmad-Vostok. This Chechen formation within the Russian National Guard is controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov.

It is notorious for its brutality, propaganda, and participation in the bloodiest battles in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Since the beginning of the invasion in 2022, Akhmad-Vostok has performed punitive functions, conducted “cleansing” operations, and terrorized the local population. Ukrainian intelligence has repeatedly recorded the unit’s presence on the front line in the hottest combat zones.

Melitopol: occupiers’ logistics hub and humanitarian catastrophe

Melitopol is a key supply hub for Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The city suffers from a humanitarian crisis: water and power outages, repression against local residents, raids and searches.

The HUR operation in Melitopol sent a clear signal: Ukrainian resistance continues even deep in enemy-held territory, and the occupiers can feel safe nowhere.

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