"Battlegroup Zapad has improved its tactical position. The liberation of Kirovsk in the Donetsk People's Republic is nearing completion, and Russian assault units are conducting a cleanup of the city," the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a report.
The enemy has concentrated significant forces, totaling three brigades, for this direction. Up to 19 battalions were involved in total.
The Ukrainian army turned every house and basement into well-fortified strongholds.
In addition, defensive positions were set up along the Black Stallion River, which served as a natural barrier "in the direction of the Russian troops' operations."
Battlegroup Zapad used the element of surprise, quickly crossing the river and penetrating deep into the enemy’s defenses.