This was reported by the Azov press service.
"The 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine liquidated a Russian commander in the forests near Kreminna, Luhansk region," the statement said.
The brigade's artillery, in cooperation with aerial reconnaissance, struck an enemy dugout, the military noted.
"Radio intercepts of the Russian troops confirmed the death of the Russian commander, whose body is being evacuated to Kreminna," Azov said.
On the morning of Saturday, February 17, the Ukrainian Air Force shot down three Russian military aircraft - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and a Su-35 fighter jet.