Ukrainian “Cyborgs” Crush Russian “Oplot” Battalion 12 Years After Donetsk Airport Battles

Ukrainian paratroopers from the 79th Air Assault Brigade inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces near Pokrovsk, reportedly destroying an entire battalion from the Russian 5th Motor Rifle Brigade “Oplot,” according to a statement published on the brigade’s official Facebook page on March 15.

The battle resulted in the complete combat destruction of the unit’s 2nd battalion, forcing Russian command to urgently withdraw the remaining survivors from the frontline.

The losses were reportedly so severe that Russian forces had to quickly pull back the remnants of the battalion and redeploy other units to fill the resulting gaps in their defensive positions.

For Ukrainian paratroopers, the clash carried symbolic weight.

The “Oplot” brigade is named after eliminated pro-Russian rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko, and its fighters previously faced Ukrainian troops during the fierce battles for Donetsk Airport in 2014.

At that time, the 79th Brigade’s paratroopers—often referred to as “cyborgs ” for their resilience—fought prolonged battles against Russian-backed forces defending the airport.

More than a decade later, the same formations reportedly encountered each other again on the battlefield—this time near Pokrovsk.

According to Ukrainian intelligence cited by the brigade, most of the battalion’s personnel and equipment were destroyed during a failed Russian assault on Ukrainian defensive positions.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Ukraine Seizes the Initiative: 400+ sq km Liberated as Russia Prepares Major Offensive

Mar 10, 2026 16:47

The scale of the losses forced the Russian command to urgently shift surviving elements of other units into nearby settlements in an attempt to stabilize the frontline.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russia’s battlefield losses exceeded the number of new troops entering its military ranks for three consecutive months.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW