Russian Radio Gives Away Infiltration Route—Ukraine’s Special Forces Set a Trap

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) have disrupted a Russian infiltration route in the Donetsk direction, killing three Russian soldiers and capturing another during an ambush carried out by operators of the 3rd Special Operations Brigade’s Sword Group.

The operation was announced by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces on Facebook on October 12, where the military also released footage of the raid.

According to the SSO, Ukrainian operators initially raided a shelter used by Russian troops as a temporary resting and assembly point. During the operation, they seized a radio that revealed several additional Russian groups were expected to move along the same route.

Using the intercepted information, Ukrainian special forces remained at the position and prepared an ambush for the approaching Russian troops. The subsequent engagement resulted in three Russian soldiers being killed and one taken prisoner.

“The prisoner was carrying a radio and a mobile phone containing checkpoints and alternative routes of advance in the area. He also provided the call signs of Russian commanders and other valuable intelligence,” the statement read.

During questioning, the prisoner reportedly described Russian military tactics involving repeated infantry assaults, often referred to as “meat assaults,” as well as discriminatory treatment of ethnic minorities within the Russian army.

According to the SSO, the prisoner also alleged that Russian troops were prohibited from assisting wounded personnel and that soldiers who refused orders could be killed by their own forces.

Ukrainian special operations personnel said they had observed similar practices among Russian troops operating in the area.

The commander of the 3rd Special Operations Regiment further described how Russian forces allegedly deploy personnel from ethnic minority groups in initial assault waves before sending additional units to consolidate captured positions.

“Most often, we encounter Yakuts, Buryats, Tajiks, and Uzbeks here. They are sent forward as cannon fodder, and then their other units, move in and secure strategic positions,” the commander explained.

Ukrainian military intelligence operatives eliminated two Russian special forces groups during a counter-sabotage operation in the Zaporizhzhia direction, capturing one Russian soldier after tracking the units’ movements and preparing an ambush.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported on October 11 that the operation was conducted by its Timur Special Unit against troops from Russia’s 10th Separate Guards Special Purpose Brigade, which operates under Russian military intelligence.