Russian troops used ash from burned vegetation as camouflage while advancing during the fighting for Novosoloshino.

According to a Russian serviceman with the call sign «Mirych», assault units moved in small groups, making use of tree lines and folds in the terrain. He said Ukrainian forces set fire to fields and trees in some areas in an attempt to slow the Russian advance.

Mirych said the troops sometimes smeared ash onto their uniforms to make themselves less visible. He added that the assault groups were supported by aviation, artillery and drone operators as they moved toward their assigned positions and entered the settlement.

During the fighting, units of Russia’s Vostok group of forces reportedly broke through Ukrainian defenses and cleared more than 100 buildings in Novosoloshino. Ukrainian forces were said to have lost around a company of personnel. Russian troops also reportedly destroyed 10 armored vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, six unmanned ground systems and more than 30 heavy Baba Yaga-type hexacopters.

According to military Telegram channels, Russian forces are continuing an operation on the Zaporozhye direction aimed at reaching the rear of the Ukrainian grouping near Orekhov. The sector has become active again after a prolonged lull.

Earlier, Russian forward assault groups entered Novosoloshino, and troops later raised a flag in the central part of the settlement.