As Donald Trump was preparing to meet with Vladimir Putin in Alaska in August, Russia launched an offensive in eastern Ukraine. Small groups of soldiers infiltrated near the town of Dobropillia and, encountering little resistance, advanced 15-20 km into the territory defended by Ukraine, occupying several villages. This advance on a narrow strip of land made an impression, influencing perceptions of the course of the war, reports The Guardian.
At the time of the Alaska summit, it was perceived as undeniable evidence of Russia’s momentum on the battlefield. Then Ukraine began to recover, regaining territories on the eastern front. This reversal of the situation changed perceptions again: hence perhaps Trump’s reassessment of the Moscow army, which he bluntly said was probably just a “paper tiger”.
Following the breach of their defense in August, a platoon of Ukrainian soldiers was sent to recapture the villages of Hruzike and Vesele – encountering strong resistance especially in the latter. The settlements were located at the tip of a new Russian bridgehead. It had two distinct prominences, penetrating deep into Ukrainian territory. On the map, they looked like two rabbit ears.
First, ground robots equipped with machine guns advanced step by step, firing at the hidden Russian soldiers. The Ukrainians summoned them through loudspeakers to surrender. Then, two Ukrainian tanks joined the fight. They bombed houses and a school.
“After that, we went in and started clearing the area. Every house, bush, and basement,” recalls the platoon commander whose call sign is “Tarantino”.
The operation in the village of Hruzike went smoothly. Surprised Russian soldiers surrendered. In contrast, in Vesele, the Russians retaliated. After descending the main road, past collapsed and burning houses, Tarantino’s eight-man team reached the last two houses. Hiding in the basements, the Russians began to shoot.
“A bullet hit my helmet, it was like getting punched,” he said. “I was alive, thank God. The helmet saved me. I rolled as our people opened fire too.”
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