Russian Major General Anton Grunis, a commander who recently received the country’s Hero of Russia award after reporting battlefield gains to President Vladimir Putin, has been killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Donetsk region.
Grunis, commander of Russia’s 4th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, was killed on September 12 in a nighttime strike on his position in Russian-occupied territory, according to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces.
Brovdi announced the death on September 16 and said the operation was carried out by Ukraine’s 427th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade, known as Rarog. The Ukrainian commander described Grunis as the seventh Russian commander at brigade, division or army level killed by his forces, although that broader claim has not been independently verified.
The death was subsequently confirmed by Russian commander Apti Alaudinov, who said Grunis had died but did not initially provide details about the circumstances. Russian state-linked reporting described Grunis as a decorated officer who had died while carrying out his military duty.
Recent Honor
The death came only weeks after Grunis was awarded the Gold Star of the Hero of Russia, one of Russia’s highest state honours.
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov presented the award to Grunis on August 27 for what Russian authorities described as courage and heroism during military service.
Grunis had also attracted attention after appearing in a televised meeting with Putin in July. During the meeting, he reported on Russian military operations and claimed that Russian forces had captured Kostiantynivka, a strategically important city in Donetsk.
Ukraine and independent military analysts disputed the claim that Russian forces had fully captured the city. Reuters reported that Russian forces continued efforts to seize Kostiantynivka, while Ukrainian forces still contested control of the area.
Putin had praised Grunis during the meeting, according to reports, while his brigade was involved in fighting in the Kostiantynivka area.
Ukraine Identifies Drone Unit Behind Strike
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said the strike was carried out by the Rarog unit of the 427th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade.
Brovdi released footage that he said showed the destruction of the location where Grunis was stationed. The Institute for the Study of War said geolocated footage supported the Ukrainian claim that a Russian brigade commander was targeted in occupied Donetsk City on September 12.
Who was Anton Grunis?
Grunis commanded Russia’s 4th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade and had been involved in Russia’s military operations in eastern Ukraine.
Reports said he had previously participated in Russian military operations in Chechnya and Georgia and later returned to active service after having been in the reserve. His brigade subsequently fought in areas including Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka.
