Ukrainian Special Forces Wipe Out Russian Infantry From a Village in Zaporizhzhia Direction

Ukrainian special forces have carried out a successful clearing operation against Russian troops entrenched in residential buildings along the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) reported on March 19.

According to the agency, fighters from the “Khymera” unit, part of the elite “Timur Special Unit,” were deployed after Russian infantry groups established positions inside civilian structures.

A small team of Ukrainian operators, moving in an armored vehicle, conducted a systematic sweep of the area, engaging enemy forces at close range.

Most of the fighting took place in confined spaces, with Ukrainian troops relying primarily on small arms and hand grenades to eliminate Russian positions.

Those who survived the assault were taken prisoner and will be used in future exchange operations for Ukrainian personnel.

Footage released by the unit shows the level of coordination and rapid decision-making required during such missions, aimed at minimizing casualties among Ukrainian forces.

Operations like this continue to slow Russian advances, forcing Moscow to repeatedly commit additional troops to areas it previously claimed to control.

HUR said its forces, working alongside other elements of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, have also helped disrupt a broader Russian offensive in the Zaporizhzhia direction.

The primary objective remains preventing Russian forces from advancing toward the regional capital. Defensive operations in the area have now been ongoing for three months.

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During that time, the Timur Special Unit has reportedly inflicted more than 300 casualties on Russian forces, both killed and wounded, while capturing 39 soldiers.

Ukrainian units are also using drones and artillery to strike Russian supply routes, further degrading their ability to sustain offensive operations.

Earlier, for the first time since the summer of 2023, the Ukrainian army successfully reclaimed more territory than it lost during the final weeks of February.

Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 257 square kilometers since the beginning of the year. Data shows a net gain of nearly 33 square kilometers between February 14 and 20, followed by an additional 57 square kilometers from February 21 to 27.

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