Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a large-scale Russian mechanized assault near Dobropillya in the Donetsk region, destroying nine and damaging four of the 22 armored vehicles involved in the attack, according to battlefield reports and verified drone footage.

The assault — one of Russia’s few major mechanized pushes in the area since April — was geolocated by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and is believed to have been carried out by a reduced battalion-sized Russian unit attempting to advance toward nearby villages, including Shakhove.

Drone footage released from the scene shows Ukrainian forces employing thermal imaging technology to identify and strike Russian armored vehicles under the cover of darkness. The video captures multiple direct hits, resulting in a fiery sequence of explosions across open terrain.

Ukrainian military officials said the operation underscores the country’s growing proficiency in integrating reconnaissance drones, anti-tank weapons, and precision artillery to disrupt larger enemy formations.

“This was a clear demonstration of how technology and tactical coordination can neutralize superior numbers,” one Ukrainian officer commented.

Analysts note that the repelled assault signals both Moscow’s continued struggle to achieve momentum in Donetsk and Kyiv’s resilience in defending key defensive lines despite ongoing pressure across the eastern front.

While the Russian military continues to probe Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, Western intelligence reports suggest that the Kremlin’s capacity for sustained mechanized operations remains limited due to equipment shortages and battlefield attrition.

The battle near Dobropillya adds to a growing list of failed Russian advances across the Donbas, with Ukrainian defense forces emphasizing that every repelled assault not only prevents territorial gains but also inflicts lasting damage on Russia’s armored capabilities.