Ukrainian forces eliminated a two-time champion of Russian sports tourism championships.

The Ukrainian defense forces destroyed the Russian occupier Vladislav Cherepanov, who was known for his achievements in sports. He was a champion of Russia in sports tourism and a multiple champion of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Cherepanov also participated in the World Rafting Championship and served as vice president of the Rafting Federation of the Republic of Bashkortostan. However, he began participating in the Russian aggression against Ukraine in September 2024. Ukrainian defenders eliminated Cherepanov in April 2025.

Another occupier, Bator Erdiniyev, was also eliminated. He was a wrestler and had many awards in wrestling competitions. In December 2023, he voluntarily joined the fifth tank brigade of the occupying forces. The Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out an operation to eliminate Erdiniyev on March 26, 2025. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The third eliminated was Oleksiy Yablonsky, a football player and futsal player from Crimea. He played for various football clubs and was part of the Ukrainian futsal national team. After the annexation of Crimea, he continued his career in the occupied peninsula. He is survived by his wife and two children.

These eliminations are an important achievement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the fight against occupation. They testify to our readiness to defend the territory and counter the aggressors. This is yet another example that Ukraine is not willing to concede and is ready to fight on all fronts.