(DONETSK OBLAST) – Russian forces suffered significant losses during a failed night assault near the village of Novopavlivka, after a two hour attempt to break through Ukrainian defensive positions was fully repelled, according to Ukraine’s 42nd Mechanised Brigade.
The brigade, named after Hero of Ukraine Valerii Hudzii, said the attack took place overnight and was carried out by small, mobile Russian groups using quad bikes. The operation appeared to rely on speed and surprise, with the aim of forcing a rapid breakthrough against Ukrainian Defence Forces positions.
According to the brigade’s press service, the Russian assault groups were detected while still approaching the front line. Ukrainian units identified the movement through continuous drone surveillance, allowing defenders to respond before the attackers reached their intended targets.
Drone operators from the 42nd Mechanised Brigade, working alongside neighbouring Ukrainian units, then engaged the advancing Russian forces. Video released by the brigade shows repeated strikes on the assault groups, both while they were moving and when they gathered in temporary concentration areas.
The Ukrainian military said the attack was completely repelled and that Russian units failed to achieve any tactical gains. No Ukrainian positions were overrun during the assault, and the frontline situation remained unchanged.
Footage published by the brigade shows destroyed and abandoned quad bikes used by Russian infantry during the operation. The video indicates that more than 40 Russian soldiers were killed during the two hour assault, although the final number of losses is still being confirmed.
In a statement, the command of the 42nd Mechanised Brigade said the outcome was clear, noting that the attempted breakthrough resulted in heavy losses of personnel and equipment for Russian forces, without delivering any military success.
