Key facts
- Lt. Gen. Sergei Milchakov, commander of Russia’s 51st Combined Arms Army, was reportedly killed in a Ukrainian strike on August 26.
- The strike targeted Russian command posts in occupied Donetsk Oblast.
- If confirmed, Milchakov would be the 23rd Russian general killed during the war.
- Milchakov oversaw operations in Avdiivka and other settlements in Donetsk Oblast.
- He reportedly received the title of Hero of Russia in 2024.
- Milchakov took command of the 1st Donetsk Army Corps in 2022.
Lieutenant General Sergei Milchakov, who commanded Russia’s 51st Combined Arms Army and oversaw operations in key sectors of Donetsk Oblast, was reportedly killed in a Ukrainian strike on August 26. The strike targeted Russian command posts in occupied Donetsk. If confirmed, Milchakov would be the 23rd Russian general to be killed since the start of the war, according to Russian independent outlet Vazhniye Istorii. Russian propagandist Anastasia Kashevarova suggested the attack may have been a precision strike and hinted at a possible leak from within Russian ranks regarding the command post's location. Russia has not officially confirmed Milchakov's death. Ukraine’s General Staff had not responded to requests for confirmation at the time of publication. Milchakov's forces have been active in Donetsk Oblast, a central objective for Russia. Vazhniye Istorii reported that he oversaw operations in Avdiivka, New York, and other settlements in the region. He was reportedly awarded the title of Hero of Russia in 2024. Milchakov assumed command of the 1st Donetsk Army Corps in 2022, succeeding Maj. Gen. Roman Kutuzov, who was killed near Popasna that year.