The situation in Zakotne remains tense, with Russian forces taking losses as troops from Ukraine’s 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade work to clear the village and prevent further incursions, the Ukrainian military said.
On February 10, Ukrainian officials said small groups of Russian soldiers managed to infiltrate Zakotne in Donetsk region by moving across frozen sections of the Siverskyi Donets River, slipping through gaps between positions held by the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces. Ukrainian troops are searching for and neutralizing the infiltrators, according to the brigade Facebook post.
Russian units have also periodically advanced along the Siverskyi Donets riverbank, the brigade said. During infiltration attempts, Russian soldiers have used the terrain to their advantage—hiding in low-lying areas, including when approaching from the Serebrianskyi forestry, to avoid FPV drones and artillery.
Over the past month, Ukrainian forces have captured more than a dozen Russian soldiers who stated that their commanders aim to slip troops into areas of Zakotne not held by Ukraine’s military, according to the 81st brigade.
Russia is deploying so-called “waiting” drones, kamikaze drones and other loitering munitions, the brigade said. Despite ongoing infiltration attempts, it reported that Russian forces are taking significant losses. Video showing FPV drone strikes on Russian soldiers in dugouts, abandoned buildings and wooded areas was posted on the brigade’s page.
