More Than 20 Russian Troops Caught In Ukrainian Drone Ambush Near Chasiv Yar

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian assault group advancing toward Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, using FPV drones and artillery to target infantry and equipment moving from the direction of Bakhmut.

According to Ukraine’s 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade and the operational-strategic grouping “Khortytsia,” the operation was carried out in coordination with the 427th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “RAROG.”

Video released on May 13 showed Russian troops moving in an exposed formation on approaches to the city before being targeted by Ukrainian drones.

The brigade stated that “more than 20 Russians moved openly from the direction of Bakhmut,” adding that “reconnaissance detected them, artillery and drones dismantled them. The operation was carried out in coordination.”

Footage published by Ukrainian military sources showed FPV drones striking a trailer carrying a quad bike before additional drones targeted Russian infantry moving along the route toward Chasiv Yar. The released video also included footage reportedly captured from cameras carried by Russian soldiers during the attack.

According to the Ukrainian military, the engagement took place on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a city that remains one of the key contested positions in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces currently control eastern and central parts of the city, while Ukrainian troops continue to hold positions in western districts.

Chasiv Yar has remained strategically important for both sides since Russian forces intensified assaults on the city following the capture of Bakhmut in 2024. Control of the area could provide Russian forces with additional access routes toward Kostiantynivka and other Ukrainian defensive positions deeper in the Donetsk region.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported a series of medium-range drone strikes against Russian command posts, ammunition depots, logistics hubs, repair facilities, and drone infrastructure in occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as Russia’s Belgorod region.

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