The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has released exclusive footage showing a mission to eliminate an "elite" Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group near the settlement of Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The video was published by the DIU press service, according to Ukrinform.
According to the intelligence agency, in late May this year, the Russian military deployed airborne reconnaissance units (VDV), regarded as among the elite formations of the aggressor state's armed forces, to assault Stepnohirsk.
The operation was intended to produce propaganda footage falsely portraying the settlement as captured before reporting the supposed success to Russia's top leadership.
Under the cover of darkness, rain, and thermal-concealment cloaks, the Russian group managed to infiltrate Stepnohirsk. However, assault troops from the DIU 's Artan special unit had anticipated such a scenario. Allowing the Russian soldiers to move closer, they lured them into a prepared trap.
Before engaging, the Ukrainian special forces offered the Russian troops a chance to surrender. Instead of preserving their lives, they opened fire.
As a result, the DIU personnel cleared the designated area of Stepnohirsk of the "elite" Russian saboteurs. The flags the invaders had planned to use for victory photographs were captured as trophies by Ukraine's intelligence.
The Artan unit completed the mission without suffering any casualties.
"The enemy attempted to operate according to the classic special operations doctrine, using difficult weather conditions and electronic concealment measures to infiltrate an urban area undetected. However, our pre-planned response algorithm and proactive intelligence completely neutralized the element of surprise," said Viktor Torkotiuk, Commander of the Artan special unit.
According to him, the Russian group was effectively drawn into a pre-arranged "kill zone."
"We offered them the opportunity to surrender, but the enemy chose a different path. The so-called elite of the Russian army proved unprepared for the DIU 's systematic defense. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our fighters, as well as coordinated cooperation with other units of the DIU Active Operations Department and Ukraine's Defense Forces, our defensive positions in this sector remain secure," the Artan Commander said.
As reported by Ukrinform, the DIU previously released footage showing how it maintains fire control over the occupied land corridor linking Crimea and Donetsk.
Photo: Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
