On the morning of December 20, 2025, an explosion occurred in the industrial zone of temporarily occupied Melitopol in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, targeting russian forces operating in the area. The incident took place as russian troops were loading military cargo onto the Ural truck.
According to available information, russian units have been using the industrial zone of Melitopol as a logistics hub, including ammunition storage facilities and a base for military vehicles. Such sites have become critical nodes in sustaining russian operations in the south of Ukraine.
Read more: Ukrainian Forces Defeat russian Special Unit in Donetsk Region, 51 Killed and 74 Wounded (Video)
The explosion reportedly occurred at the moment when russian personnel were most concentrated around the vehicle. As a result, at least four russian servicemen sustained severe injuries.
The Ural military truck involved in the incident was damaged by the blast, further disrupting russian logistical activity in the area. While the exact cause of the explosion has not been publicly detailed, the timing and location indicate a targeted strike against occupation forces.
Melitopol remains a key logistical center for russian troops due to its geographic position and transport infrastructure. Disruptions to supply routes and storage sites in the city directly affect russia's ability to sustain operations across temporarily occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian defense and intelligence structures have repeatedly emphasized that industrial and rear-area facilities used by russian forces are considered legitimate military targets under the laws of war. Strikes on such sites aim to weaken the occupiers' operational capabilities while increasing pressure on their rear areas.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian border guard units from the Steel Border Brigade have carried out a successful drone strike operation against russian positions on the Kursk axis. Using Vampire strike UAVs and FPV drones, Ukrainian operators targeted enemy shelters, equipment, and weapons, inflicting confirmed losses.
Read more: Ukrainian Drones Destroy 4 Shelters, Vehicle, UAV Launch Site, and Ammo Depot on Kursk Axis (Video)
