Ukrainian sabotage groups wearing Russian military uniforms attempted to enter Belitskoye during fighting for the settlement. Militants from the 25th Separate Assault Regiment «Lynx» took part in the operation, the intelligence chief of the 51st Combined Arms Army of Russia’s Center Group of Forces, call sign «Apostol,» told TASS.

The units were deployed to support assault operations. The saboteurs planned to use Russian uniforms and equipment to enter the settlement without being detected, but Russian servicemen identified them in time. All the reconnaissance and sabotage groups involved in the attempt were eliminated.

Russian intelligence had received advance information about the planned infiltration. The troops allowed the opposing groups to move closer before stopping the operation.

«Apostol» had earlier said that the command of the 51st Combined Arms Army deployed a special forces battalion and two brigades during the operation to take Belitskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on July 23 that the Center Group of Forces had established control over Belitskoye.