Russian special forces reportedly spent a month conducting ambushes near Dobropolye, eliminating Ukrainian troops moving toward frontline positions and completely cutting off enemy logistics in the area.

A Russian special forces soldier using the call sign Khankul told TASS that the operation also prevented Ukrainian sabotage groups from infiltrating settlements previously liberated by Russian forces.

According to Khankul, Ukrainian units relied heavily on small groups moving on foot to reinforce their positions. Soldiers typically traveled alone or in groups of two or three, repeatedly using the same routes.

Russian special forces identified these movements and established concealed positions on both sides of the routes used by Ukrainian troops.

The soldier explained that the first ambush was organized almost immediately after Russian forces reached the area. They took cover, established defensive positions and eliminated the first Ukrainian serviceman detected along the route. Similar ambushes continued over the following weeks.

Weather conditions played an important role in keeping the operation concealed. Khankul said fog and precipitation allowed Russian troops to approach their positions and prepare ambushes without being detected, a process that took approximately six hours.

At certain points, Russian special forces operated within just 15 meters of Ukrainian positions.

According to the serviceman, Ukrainian soldiers frequently failed to understand why their comrades were disappearing along the routes. These unexplained losses forced advancing groups to stop moving.

Khankul also described the dangers posed by explosive traps left behind by retreating Ukrainian forces.

He claimed that Ukrainian troops booby-trapped ordinary objects, including cigarettes, water bottles, branches and stones.

Some assault rifle magazines were reportedly fitted with improvised explosive devices designed to detonate in a soldier’s hands when the magazine was attached to a weapon.