According to Ukraine’s intelligence agency, a blast in the city of Melitopol, which is under Russian control, resulted in the deaths of three Russian officers. The agency believes this was a retaliatory strike carried out by underground groups in the area.

The explosion took place on Saturday at a meeting of Russian military officials in the city, which serves as a central location for Russian troops in the southern region. The statement from the defense ministry’s directorate reported the incident.

The statement mentioned a vengeful act that was carried out by members of the nearby resistance group. It occurred at the offices of Nova Poshta, which had been taken over by the Russians.

Russian officials did not acknowledge the incident, and Reuters was unable to confirm the Ukrainian statement.

The intelligence report stated that a meeting took place on Saturday at the military headquarters, which was attended by officers from the Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service.

The statement reported that the explosion resulted in the deaths of three National Guard officers at the headquarters. Details about any additional casualties on the enemy’s side are still being confirmed.

According to the report, authorities gathered in the vicinity and a vehicle that had been set on fire was later observed being transported through the town.

In February 2022, Russia initiated a large-scale attack on Ukraine. In early June, Ukraine responded with a counterattack in the southern and eastern regions, but has faced significant opposition.

The Ukrainian military has been becoming more and more involved in launching attacks against forces in areas controlled by Russia, however they do not always admit to carrying out these strikes.

Ukrainian troops launched a missile strike on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia, in September. According to Ukrainian media, a recent attack on the town of Skadovsk in the Kherson region, which is under Russian occupation, also aimed at Russian officers.