Russian Push Towards Dobropillia 'Smashed' By Ukraine Combined Arms Force

A combined arms force similar in composition to the Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive now advancing in Luhansk has stopped a Russian attempt to assault Druzhkivka, in the Dobropillia sector. 

What is particularly interesting about this is that the Ukrainians again deployed a hand-picked and specially trained assortment of units, comprising infantry, drone warfare, special ops and armor to plan and execute the counterattack. This appears to be an emerging and successful template for surprising and reducing Russian attack attempts. JL

Ivan Khomenko reports in United 24:

Ukrainian forces have disrupted a Russian attempt to reach key logistics routes and encircle Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region following a two-month clearing operation involving several Ukrainian units. Russian forces had been building up in the area throughout the summer with the aim of advancing toward Druzhkivka and launching further attacks in the direction of Dobropillia. The Russian grouping included the 90th Tank Division and the 8th Combined Arms Army. The operation comes as Ukrainian forces conduct broader counteroffensive actions in northern Donetsk region. Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps' Operation Vivaldi has returned 125 square kilometers of territory to Ukrainian control 

Ukrainian forces have disrupted a Russian attempt to reach key logistics routes and create conditions for the operational encirclement of Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region following a nearly two-month clearing operation involving several Ukrainian units. 

According to Ukraine’s 1st National Guard Corps “Azov” on September 23, Russian forces had been building up in the area throughout the summer with the aim of advancing toward Druzhkivka and launching further attacks in the direction of Dobropillia. 

The Russian grouping included elements of the 90th Tank Division and the 8th Combined Arms Army, according to Lev, callsign “Khorus,” commander of Ukraine’s 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov.”

Ukraine reinforced troops already operating in the sector and launched a coordinated operation involving the Ultima Ratio special reconnaissance unit, the 1st and 6th battalions of the 12th Azov Brigade, the Tuman special forces unit of the 1st Azov Corps, and the Shkval Battalion of the 425th Skelia Separate Assault Regiment. Lasar’s Group of the National Guard provided additional support.

The first Ukrainian assault groups began advancing on August 7 after Russian positions and concentrations were targeted to isolate the area and prevent additional Russian forces from moving forward. Artillery and strike drones were used to support infantry clearing operations. 

According to Azov, Ukrainian units sought to destroy or suppress Russian positions with FPV drones, bomber drones, and artillery before sending assault troops forward when direct clearing operations posed an increased risk to personnel.

The operation was complicated by dense vegetation, Russian infantry moving in small groups, and extensive Russian drone activity, which also made the evacuation of wounded Ukrainian troops more difficult.

Azov said the operation resulted in 237 Russian troops killed, 44 wounded, and three captured. The figures have not been independently verified. 

The Ukrainian units also reported strikes on Russian artillery during the operation. Lasar’s Group provided fire support to assault units, while earlier Ukrainian operations targeting Russian artillery and armored vehicles helped reduce Russia’s ability to support troops operating in the sector.

The operation prevented Russian troops from reaching logistics routes that Ukrainian commanders said could have been used to threaten Druzhkivka and support an advance toward Dobropillia. According to Azov, losing positions in the area forces Russian forces to search for alternative routes and commit additional time and resources before attempting further advances.

The operation comes as Ukrainian forces conduct broader counteroffensive actions in northern Donetsk region. Ukraine’s Third Army Corps recently reported that its Operation Vivaldi had returned 125 square kilometers of territory to Ukrainian control during several stages of fighting.