Russian Tanks Sink in River Ambush as HIMARS Strike Crushes Assault Near Dobropillia, Video

Russian forces suffered heavy equipment losses while attempting a mechanized assault on Ukrainian positions near Volodymyrivka in the Donetsk region on October 25.

According to the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, several armored vehicles became stuck while crossing the Kazennyi Torets River and were destroyed by Ukrainian artillery, HIMARS, and drone strikes.

In a statement, the 33rd Brigade said that five armored vehicles advanced from the direction of Novotoretske but got trapped in mud due to unfavorable weather.

“Once again, the Russians tried to push through the brigade’s defensive line near Volodymyrivka… but weather conditions did not work in their favor,” the unit reported. Three vehicles sank in the river, while two others were destroyed together with adjacent units.

Independent observer Kriegsforscher on X noted that the operation was part of a broader Russian mechanized offensive. He said Ukrainian forces from the 33rd, 93rd, and 95th Brigades eliminated at least 16 Russian armored vehicles in total.

The 33rd Brigade confirmed that Russian vehicles were targeted by FPV and bomber drones in addition to artillery and HIMARS strikes.

Released footage shows at least six Russian vehicles submerged in the river. Some Russian troops reportedly abandoned their vehicles and came under Ukrainian artillery fire while retreating on foot.

Earlier in October, Russian forces also attempted a large-scale mechanized assault near Dobropillia, deploying 22 armored vehicles from the Malynivka area. According to the Azov National Guard Brigade, Ukrainian artillery and drone units destroyed nine tanks and infantry fighting vehicles and damaged four more, effectively halting the attack.

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