Valery Gerasimov reviewed combat operations by Russian forces on the eastern Ukraine front as fighting intensifies in Donetsk.
MOSCOW: Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov has visited Russian troops deployed on the eastern front in Ukraine and reviewed their ongoing military operations, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry.
The Russian military said Gerasimov inspected the progress of combat missions being carried out by units of the “West” military grouping.
The visit comes as fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces has intensified again, particularly in eastern Ukraine and parts of the Donetsk region.
Gerasimov reviews combat operations
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Gerasimov met troops deployed on the eastern front and received an assessment of the military missions being conducted by Russian units.
The ministry did not disclose the precise location or timing of the visit.
Gerasimov has previously made visits to Russian forces operating in Ukraine. Reuters reported in 2025 that he inspected the Russian “Centre” group fighting in the Pokrovsk area of Donetsk, while earlier visits have also involved receiving battlefield reports from commanders.
Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine
The latest visit comes against a backdrop of renewed fighting along the front.
Russia has been increasing pressure in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk, while Ukrainian forces continue operations at several points along the battlefield, according to the Express report.
The Donetsk region remains a key area of the war. Russian forces have been seeking to advance toward major Ukrainian-held strongholds, while Kyiv has reinforced its defences.
Reuters reported on August 26 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had appointed prominent commanders Andrii Biletskyi and Denys Prokopenko to oversee new defensive formations in the region amid increased Russian military pressure.
Exact location of visit not disclosed
Russia’s Defence Ministry has not released the exact location where Gerasimov met the troops.
That means details about the specific units involved and the operational circumstances of the visit remain limited.
The Russian ministry’s account also does not independently establish battlefield changes or territorial gains. Any claims regarding developments on the ground should therefore be treated separately from the confirmed fact of Gerasimov’s reported visit.
Wider military pressure
The visit highlights the continued involvement of Russia’s senior military leadership in overseeing operations in Ukraine.
Gerasimov, who serves as Russia’s chief of the General Staff, has periodically inspected forces during the war. Reuters previously reported that such visits have involved commanders briefing him on battlefield developments and receiving instructions on further operations.
The latest inspection comes as both Russia and Ukraine continue military operations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
