Ukrainian defense forces repelled a large-scale breakthrough attempt by Russian troops in the south of the country, accurately destroying 29 enemy armored vehicles, which represents a serious blow to their combat capability
This information has been obtained from sources within the Ukrainian Armed Forces and confirmed by official military statements, as well as by military experts monitoring the situation closely. According to the Southern Ukraine Defense Department, on April 16 around 18:00, a large and highly organized assault by Russian forces erupted south of the country. The enemy deployed powerful forces — at least 320 Russian servicemen who had previously concentrated themselves near strategic front-line areas. The attack was supported by over 40 units of armored technology, including three tanks and about ten combat vehicles, such as BTRs. The main goal of the Russian operation was to break through the Ukrainian defensive line near the settlements of P’yatyhatsky, Stepove, Lobkove, Mala Tokmacha, and Mali Shcherbaky, in order to advance further into Ukrainian territory and increase pressure on the defenders of the southern front. The data demonstrates the complete organization and scale of the enemy’s offensive, which employed a significant amount of armored vehicles and personnel. Ukrainian military sources assure that their reconnaissance assets detected the enemy’s routes of movement and concentration zones in a timely manner. As a result, Ukrainian defenders used a wide range of weapons, including drone strikes, artillery, and aviation, ensuring an effective counteraction to the enemy force. The use of modern technology made it possible to destroy the first targets just 8 kilometers from the front line — three BMP armored transports were eliminated there. Although the combat operation lasted over two hours, Ukrainian servicemen successfully pressed the enemy back and prevented the breach of the Ukrainian line. In response to the assault, Ukrainian units destroyed 29 enemy armored vehicles, including confirmed over 40 combat machines such as 3 tanks, and eliminated at least 140 Russian soldiers. Significant damage was also inflicted on enemy equipment, complicating further attempts by Russia to breach Ukrainian defenses. This operation serves as another clear testament to the high combat effectiveness and resilience of Ukrainian defenders, who, on the eve of Easter, sent a sharp message to the enemy: Ukrainian resistance is unbreakable and capable of stopping any assault. While the Kremlin is once again preparing for new attacks, Ukrainian soldiers demonstrate their resilience daily, even in the most difficult situations, maintaining control over key strategic areas and setting a valuable precedent in resisting large-scale Russian offensives. Sources report that the results of this operation represent a significant victory for the Ukrainian army and further proof that Ukrainian defenders are capable not only of holding back the enemy but also inflicting considerable losses, destroying their technical and personnel potential. All this once again underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine’s defense efforts, as only then can the country more effectively resist aggression and independently strengthen its defensive capabilities.