Russian Positions Collapse in Stepnohirsk as Ukrainian Intelligence Troops Advance

Ukraine’s military intelligence special forces say they are continuing to clear the city of Stepnohirsk on the Zaporizhzhia front after a series of coordinated assault operations pushed Russian troops out of fortified positions and brought key locations under Ukrainian control, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) on May 18.

HUR released exclusive footage showing intense combat work by fighters of the “Artan” special unit inside the city.

According to the agency, the operation was carried out in close coordination with adjacent Ukrainian units and aimed to force Russian troops out of Stepnohirsk while stabilizing the situation in the settlement.

During the assault, Russian forces attempted to strike vehicles carrying Ukrainian special forces with a waiting FPV drone, but the threat was detected and destroyed before it could hit its target.

The operation took place in difficult urban conditions, with Ukrainian troops moving through built-up areas, clearing fortified positions, and checking buildings for traps or remaining Russian personnel.

“As a result of fighting in complex urban conditions, Russian occupation forces were driven out of fortified positions, and key locations in Stepnohirsk came under the control of Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces,” HUR said.

“Assault operations were carried out in coordination, using aerial reconnaissance and precision fire,” said Viktor Torkotiuk, commander of the Artan unit.

“Every building was checked for ‘surprises’ and remnants of enemy manpower. We do not rule out that the enemy will continue attempts to enter the city again, but we are ready for this.”

Ukrainian military intelligence said combat operations in the area are ongoing.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces regained control of the village of Odradne in the Kharkiv region after a coordinated assault involving infantry, drone operators, and artillery units that reportedly cleared Russian positions from nearly 22 square kilometers of territory.

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