The administration of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, announced on 18/8 that General Esedulla Abachev, reportedly the deputy commander of the northern flank in the Ukraine operation, was seriously injured after an attack near the border in Kursk province.

"He is being treated at one of the country's leading military medical centers. Doctors assess his condition as serious but stable," said Sergei Melikov, head of the Republic of Dagestan, General Abachev's home region.

General Abachev at a Russian army command post. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

General Abachev at a Russian army command post. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

Ukrainian military intelligence previously claimed to have ambushed and attacked General Abachev's convoy as it was moving through Kursk province on 16-17/8.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the information.

Born in 1968, General Abachev graduated from the Kharkov Tank Officers' School in 1989 and participated in several Russian military campaigns.

He commanded the 2nd Army Corps of the Lugansk People's Militia and played an important role in the operation to control the city of Lysychansk, for which President Vladimir Putin awarded him the title of Hero of Russia in 7/2022. In early 2024, Russian media reported that Abachev was appointed deputy commander of the newly formed Leningrad Military District.

The head of Dagestan confirmed that General Abachev had been on the front lines since the early days of the war in Ukraine, serving in "the most important and dangerous areas". Melikov said the government "will do everything necessary" to support General Abachev and his family.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, RIA Novosti, Moscow Times)