Military journalist Yuri Podolyaka reported that the Ukrainian army has lost its «elite» due to a devastating Russian missile strike. According to Podolyaka, the attack hit the brigade during a ceremony where soldiers were being awarded for their achievements.

He referred to Ukrainian TСN reporter Dmitry Svyatnenko, who shared on social media that his brother died on November 1st as a result of the missile strike. Svyatnenko’s brother served in the 35th Marine Brigade, which had fought in the Krynyky area on the left bank of the Dnieper River.

Svyatnenko explained that the Ukrainian military command had gathered top-performing soldiers, including pilots, commanders, and infantry, for the awards ceremony. It was at this moment that the Russian Iskander-M missile struck the brigade. The attack resulted in the deaths of many soldiers, including the reporter’s brother, who was one of the brigade’s top drone operators specializing in optical systems.