Russian forces fighting for Druzhkovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) are facing significant difficulties due to the widespread presence of explosive hazards, according to a Russian military officer known by the call sign Soroka.

The officer, who serves as a platoon commander and communications chief in the 103rd Motorized Rifle Regiment of Russia’s Yug (South) group, said Ukrainian troops were concealing improvised explosive devices inside ordinary household objects.

According to Soroka, some explosives are hidden in small 3D-printed cases that are nearly impossible to spot among fallen leaves.

He described the situation as particularly challenging for combat engineers, who continue to encounter unfamiliar homemade explosive devices. Russian troops are attempting to identify these explosives and determine what Ukrainian forces are deploying, including by questioning captured Ukrainian soldiers.

The officer said Ukrainian units were using a wide range of seemingly harmless objects to disguise explosives. These reportedly include empty energy drink cans, plastic bottles, backpacks, medical first-aid kits, and cigarettes.

Soroka also reported discovering explosive devices concealed inside cans of stewed meat. According to him, Ukrainian forces have left booby-trapped toys and chocolate bars in populated areas.

Earlier, DPR head Denis Pushilin reported that Russian troops were advancing toward Druzhkovka.

He said the offensive was continuing despite difficult battlefield conditions and the large number of drones being deployed by Ukrainian forces.