Krasnoyarskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic had been turned into an extensive defensive hub, with firing positions set up in almost every house and trenches connecting the buildings.

Timofey Sklyarov, chief of staff of a motorized rifle battalion from the 110th Brigade of the 51st Guards Combined Arms Army within Russia’s Group of Forces Center, described the defenses to RIA Novosti.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on July 30 that units from the Center group had taken control of the settlement.

According to Sklyarov, Ukrainian forces had organized their defenses across several lines. Almost every house served as a fortified position equipped with firing points. Trenches ran between the buildings, while shelters and dugouts had been constructed in gardens and front yards.

The layout ruled out a rapid assault. Russian troops had to clear individual houses and courtyards one after another, forcing them to advance gradually through the settlement.

Ukrainian units continued reinforcing their positions even after the Russian offensive had begun. They established additional firing points, expanded the trench network and built new fortifications in an attempt to slow the advance, Sklyarov said.