Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces seized the village of Zarichne in the Donetsk region along the Lyman axis, but Rostyslav Yashchyshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine’s 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, said that while Russian troops are physically present in the settlement, they do not control it.
Speaking on Kyiv24, he said Russian forces have for a long time relied on infiltration tactics.
“Russian soldiers try to slip behind our positions and hide somewhere: under trees, in bushes, or in a basement. They move in groups, sometimes up to five people,” the spokesman said.
He said most of these troops are destroyed by Ukrainian drones; others wait for reinforcements and supplies.
Yashchyshyn added it is premature to say Russia has fully captured Zarichne, as Ukrainian units remain in the settlement and are continuously targeting Russian infantry groups with fire.
On September 8, Ukraine’s General Staff said service members of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skala” had fully regained control of Zarichne.
