MOSCOW, October 19. /TASS/. Russian forces seized a large Ukrainian defensive area of over 27 sq. km in battles for the liberation of the settlement of Omelnik in the Zaporozhye Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported.

"During the battles, the servicemen took control of a large defensive area of over 27 sq. km. The approaches to the community were equipped with an anti-tank ditch and a network of engineered obstacles. Assault teams suppressed pockets of resistance and cleared over 400 structures within the built-up area and adjacent territory," the ministry said in a statement.

The Ukrainian army lost over a company of personnel, 14 armored combat vehicles, 21 motor vehicles and more than 30 ground robotic platforms. In addition, Russian forces destroyed 75 enemy R-18 heavy hexacopter drones, it specified.