Ukrainian marines from the 155th Brigade launched a series of surprise raids that shocked Russian forces and successfully disrupted a critical infiltration attempt. The Ukrainian counterattack included a bold night raid near Uspenivka, with one squad conducting a high speed machine gun assault that left Russian infiltrators scrambling.
The Russian objective was to collapse Ukrainian positions south of Novoserhiivka by cutting off key supply routes. Capturing this area would allow Russian troops to expand their bridgehead and secure their own logistics along the Solona River, targeting what they believe to be the weakest point in Ukrainian defences.
However, Russian forces were met with fierce resistance. Ukrainian drones and surveillance units identified a Russian assault group near the river. In response, Ukrainian troops deployed domestically built BTR-4E infantry fighting vehicles, which unleashed devastating 30 mm autocannon fire on enemy positions. The engagement destroyed a Russian ammunition cache, leaving the invading troops unable to sustain prolonged clashes.
The swift Ukrainian response allowed infantry reinforcements to arrive quickly via nearby paved roads. Several squads dismounted and cleared Russian fighters in close quarters combat, forcing a retreat. Russian units, already stretched thin and with no mechanised support due to a destroyed bridge, were left vulnerable and scattered.
The destroyed Russian supply point and the failed infiltration attempt around Novoserhiivka illustrate a repeated pattern of miscalculated Kremlin offensives in the Donetsk region. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s forces continue to struggle with logistics and coordination, particularly in areas lacking proper infrastructure.
Despite these setbacks, Russian forces are expected to persist with their offensive on the western flank of Pokrovsk. Their goal is to gain control of this axis to support larger objectives further east. However, recent Ukrainian tactical innovations combining aerial surveillance, swift vehicle deployment, and infantry counterattacks have proven highly effective at slowing the Russian advance.
Ukrainian officials and military analysts credit the successful defence to rapid communication between drone operators, armoured vehicle crews, and infantry. This coordination enabled the Ukrainian side to hold their line and prevent Russian troops from establishing fire control over key dirt roads and river crossings.
