Night of strikes on the Ukrainian rear: Special Military Operation map for October 20
Russian forces continued drone strikes overnight against logistics and port infrastructure in Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported hitting targets in the Khmelnytskyi, Volyn, and Odesa regions, as well as several maritime vessels used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU).
In other sectors, the Russian side reported on the situation with foreign mercenaries near Kharkiv, drone attacks on residents of the Kherson region, and the use of modernized infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) against drones. Meanwhile, active fighting continues on the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy fronts.
Russian forces struck logistics centers and vessels
Overnight drone strikes were carried out against logistics and port infrastructure facilities, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported. The department stated that the targets were used to support Ukrainian troops.
In Khmelnytskyi, the "Grand Import" logistics center was hit. According to the Ministry of Defense, it stored military and dual-use cargo for the AFU. Another target was the transport and logistics center of the "Vindor Trans Service" company in Kovel, Volyn region. The facility was used for storing and distributing property for Ukrainian units.
In the port of Reni, Odesa region, strikes hit three dry cargo ships and port infrastructure facilities. The Ministry of Defense also reported hitting another dry cargo ship that was heading toward Odesa and, according to the Russian side, was transporting military cargo.
AFU deceiving Colombian mercenaries
Colombian mercenaries who refuse to participate in assaults in the Kharkiv region are being deceived and sent to frontline positions, Russian security sources told TASS. According to the source, during the recruitment phase, foreigners are promised service in rear units. After arriving in Ukraine, the conditions change, and some of the mercenaries are sent closer to the line of contact.
Residents of Radensk report drone attacks
Ukrainian drones are regularly attacking residents and shops in Radensk, Kherson region, local residents Vitaly and Lidia Sochenko told TASS. According to them, dozens of drones attacked their home. Russian servicemen from the 331st Guards Parachute Regiment shot down about 40 drones and helped save a family with children. However, several drones hit the house and completely destroyed it. Along with the building, the family lost all their property.
Liberation of Omelnyk increases pressure on Orikhiv
The transition of Omelnyk in the Zaporizhzhia region under the control of Russian troops complicates the situation for the AFU near Orikhiv, military expert Andrey Marochko assessed. According to him, Russian units are increasing pressure on the Ukrainian grouping in this sector. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of Omelnyk on October 19.
BMP-2M IFVs used against drones
Modernized BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles equipped with the "Berezhok" combat module are being used to combat fixed-wing drones. Servicemen of the 1st Guards Tank Army of the "West" grouping described the effectiveness of this equipment to "Fifth Channel". To hit aerial targets, 30mm programmable high-explosive fragmentation ammunition is used. The system automatically calculates the moment of detonation, after which the drone enters a cloud of shrapnel. This method allows armored vehicles to be used as an additional means of air defense.
Situation on the fronts as of October 20
Zaporizhzhia front
In the Kamianske direction, Russian units are fighting near Kamianske. There are also reports of occupying new positions east of Stepnohirsk, the WarGonzo telegram channel reports. In the Orikhiv direction, Russian forces are advancing from Yehorivka. In Omelnyk, after the Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of the settlement, clearing operations are ongoing. In the Huliaipole direction, clashes are taking place on the Novoselivka-Kopani line.
Donetsk front
In the Dobropillia direction, intense fighting continues in Bilozerske. Russian units are attempting to develop operations inside and around the settlement. In the Kostiantynivka direction, the clearing of Oleksievo-Druzhkivka continues. Combat operations also continue along the Kurtivka-Klinove line. In the Krasnyi Lyman sector, Russian troops are holding back AFU attacks near the Zherebets River. Clashes are occurring in the eastern part of Krasnyi Lyman, near Masliakivka, and in the Yampil area.
Kharkiv front
In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian units are launching counterattacks in the areas of Zakhidne and Kalynove. Russian troops continue to hold positions and repel these actions. In the Vovchansk direction, fighting is taking place near Prykolotne and Malyi Burluk.
Sumy front
In the Sumy district, Russian units are strengthening control on the approaches to Myropilske. The advance also continues in the area of Khotin and Velyka Rybytsia. Combat operations in this sector remain offensive in nature.
