A Russian soldier known by the call sign Bulka single-handedly captured a Ukrainian stronghold in a wooded area, killing four AFU troops during the assault. Despite being wounded in the fighting, he defended the seized position for several more days until reinforcements arrived. Viktor Markov, commander of an assault company in the 239th Tank Regiment of Russia’s Center group of forces, described the battle to RIA Novosti.

After discovering the Ukrainian position, Bulka launched his attack without waiting for support. Instead of advancing from a single direction, he repeatedly moved around the fortification, striking from different angles to convince the defenders that they were facing an entire assault team. He threw grenades through firing slits, opened fire with his assault rifle from the entrances and also used an anti-drone gun.

According to Markov, the constantly shifting attacks initially caught the four Ukrainian soldiers by surprise. The officer credited Bulka’s combat experience and his ability to make effective use of his weapons for the success of the operation.

However, capturing the stronghold was only part of the challenge. Although injured, the Russian soldier had to defend the position alone as Ukrainian forces attempted to recapture it. He secured the surrounding approaches with grenade tripwires and continued fighting off counterattacks.

With no other troops available to share guard duty, Bulka went without sleep for several days, maintaining constant watch over the captured ground. Markov said the wounded soldier managed to repel further attacks and hold the stronghold until Russian reinforcements finally reached him.