Ukrainian forces built an extensive network of defensive positions around Svetlaya Dolina in the Zaporozhye Region, including deep shelters and underground tunnels stretching for hundreds of meters. A Russian assault soldier with the call sign Melnik described how the fortifications were arranged.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Svetlaya Dolina on September 24. The settlement was taken by assault units of the 36th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of the 29th Combined Arms Army from the Vostok group of forces.

According to Melnik, the Ukrainian positions in the area had been heavily prepared for defense. In forest belts, an entrance to an underground structure could be located in one place while the exit emerged 400–500 meters away. The entire route between them ran below ground.

Inside settlements, Ukrainian troops also turned residential buildings into firing positions. Windows were reinforced, machine guns were deployed inside, and snipers operated from elevated ground. Melnik said buildings abandoned by Ukrainian units were usually mined.

Another Russian assault soldier, call sign Maga, said some Ukrainian shelters reached depths of three to four meters.

Russian troops had to move through the area with extreme caution. Most movement took place at night because of the large number of drones in the air. With only a few usable routes available, the assault units advanced gradually. Maga said troops operating in such conditions had to remain calm, maintain control of the situation and fire accurately.