Ukraine Claims Killing of Three Russian Paratroopers in Stavropol Operation

Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Stavropol Operation

Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) has claimed responsibility for an operation on October 22, 2025, that resulted in the deaths of at least three Russian paratroopers in the city of Stavropol, Russia. The intelligence agency reported the incident on October 23, 2025, stating that the operation was carried out with the support of the Caucasus Liberation Movement.

Details of the Incident

The alleged incident occurred near a checkpoint of Military Unit No. 54801, located at 533 Serova Street in downtown Stavropol. According to HUR, the eliminated servicemen belonged to Russia's 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment, also identified as the 247th Caucasian Cossack Airborne Regiment or 247th Caucasian Cossack Air Assault Brigade. While HUR did not provide specific details on the method of elimination, they referred to it as a 'loud event' at a military checkpoint. Russian media had previously reported an explosion near the barracks of the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment on October 22, attributing it to an unidentified device. An intercepted conversation between Russian security forces reportedly indicated that the soldiers were 'blown up' at the checkpoint. A video released by HUR purportedly shows an explosion at the location.

Context and Allegations by HUR

HUR emphasized that the soldiers and officers of the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment have been 'actively participating in hostilities in Ukraine since 2014' and have 'distinguished themselves' with numerous alleged war crimes during Russia's full-scale invasion. The agency also noted that the commander of the 247th regiment, Colonel Vasily Popov, was reportedly killed in combat in Ukraine in 2023. There has been no immediate official comment from Russian authorities regarding Ukraine's specific claim about the paratrooper deaths, beyond earlier reports of an explosion.