Ukraine’s Shadowy Special Forces Waging War on Russian Ground for Six Months, Defeating Russian Platoon in Latest Daring Mission
Ukraine’s special forces have been waging a clandestine war on Russian ground for six months, with their latest daring mission seeing them defeat a Russian platoon in a heavily forested area. According to a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) detachment commander, the elite soldiers encountered a larger formation of Russian troops while on a routine mission to clear an area of hostile forces.
The commandos took advantage of a Russian drone being used to survey the area, distracting the enemy and allowing them to move in undetected. They then captured 12 Russian soldiers and eliminated 17, said the commander, who did not reveal the exact number of Ukrainian operators involved in the mission.
This is just one of many high-risk missions undertaken by the secretive formations since they became the first Ukrainian troops to cross the border when the surprise incursion began on August 6 last year. The operators have also encountered North Korean soldiers, who, it is believed, suffered heavy casualties after being drafted in to support the Russian army.
In a rare admission of their operations, the commander said, “This mission is one of many our operators have conducted in this direction. We were tasked with a routine mission — clearing a specific area of enemy forces. However, the challenge lay in the enemy’s superior numbers. They had an entire platoon, while our team was significantly smaller.”
The Ukrainian special forces have also carried out operations behind enemy lines, using drones and mortars to engage the enemy and guide their ground teams. A video of one such operation shows the Ukrainian operators using small arms and grenades as they move through the forest, with the bodies of Russian soldiers lying on the ground. The commander warned, “Come out or I will throw a grenade over there!” as they cautioned the Russian troops to surrender.
Russia has sent in reinforcements of North Korean troops, who have been met with fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces. The commander of the 73rd Naval Center of Special Operations, which is unique in Ukraine for its ability to operate on land, water, and in river terrain, said, “When operating in the Kursk direction, nothing was new to us. It was the usual work: planning, interacting with friendly forces, supporting and coordinating the group using UAVs and providing fire support.”
The Ukrainian special forces have been working closely with Western partners, particularly the UK, which has provided critical training and high-tech equipment to aid their efforts. The commander expressed his hope that in addition to assistance with heavy weapons and ammunition, Western partners will continue to train Ukrainian troops and provide technological equipment, such as night vision devices, drones, and robotic systems, to enhance their capabilities.