Russian servicemen from the East group of forces say Ukrainian troops abandon their strongpoints when assault units close to within roughly 100 meters.

According to the Russian soldiers, Ukrainian troops often try to leave their positions before close combat begins.

A Russian platoon commander with the call sign Gen told the Zvezda television channel that Ukrainian strongpoints are typically held by groups of four to six soldiers. He said they may continue firing from a distance of 200 to 300 meters but retreat once Russian forces approach to around 100 meters.

Gen added that Ukrainian troops who are unable to withdraw sometimes choose to surrender to Russian forces.

Another Russian platoon commander, using the call sign Oka, claimed that Ukrainian commanders often prevent their soldiers from surrendering. According to him, some troops remain inside strongpoints because they fear being killed by their own side, while others discard their body armor and weapons before surrendering.

Russian servicemen have previously reported similar behavior by Ukrainian units, saying they seek to avoid close-range fighting with Russian assault groups and leave their positions as those forces approach.