A reconnaissance group from Russia’s 352nd Motorized Rifle Regiment discovered a hideout in a forest where, according to SHOT, Ukrainian servicemen abandoned by their command had reportedly remained for nearly a year. Only one emaciated, unarmed Ukrainian soldier survived the evacuation operation.

Reports say Russian troops were led to the location by the tracks of a Ukrainian soldier who had been wandering through the forest. While searching the area, Russian reconnaissance troops first found a destroyed and empty Ukrainian dugout and then spotted a small hole in the ground nearby. According to SHOT, servicemen from Ukraine’s 43rd Brigade had been hiding there.

The Ukrainian soldiers in the hideout were offered a chance to surrender. However, during the rescue operation, Ukrainian forces attacked the position, with seven heavy Baba Yaga drones striking the remains of the dugout.

Russian drone crews attempted to provide cover for those in the area. However, only one of the prisoners who had been hiding in the hole survived. Russian troops rescued the emaciated soldier, but no further details have been disclosed.