Ukrainian troops retreating from Rubezhnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic abandoned body armor and helmets while trying to escape Russian drones, according to assault platoon commander Irek Nuriakhmetov, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

The settlement was taken on August 29 by servicemen of the 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade of the Center group of forces.

Nuriakhmetov said Ukrainian soldiers were forced to leave their positions so quickly that they had no time to put on protective gear. Stopping to fasten body armor or put on a helmet could slow their withdrawal, while Russian FPV drone operators were quick to detect movement. As a result, some Ukrainian equipment was left behind.

The Defense Ministry said Russian troops entered Rubezhnoye after reconnaissance and fire preparation. Assault teams then moved into the settlement in small groups and began clearing the area.

They encountered no major organized resistance inside the settlement. Separate Ukrainian units tried to hold positions in buildings and basements, but those pockets of resistance were suppressed.

Before the assault groups entered Rubezhnoye, Russian drones struck enemy firing positions and supply assets. The Defense Ministry said the targets included unmanned platforms as well as groups delivering food and ammunition to Ukrainian troops.

The capture of Rubezhnoye improved the position of Russian forces in this sector and created conditions for further advances. Servicemen of the 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade continue carrying out combat missions in the DPR.