First operation of its kind since war started: Details of battles for plant in Vovchansk
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The liberation of the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant marked the first operation of its kind by Ukrainian forces since the start of the full-scale war. Ukrainian defenders successfully stormed the site, which had been heavily fortified, according to Alexander 'Fortuna', chief of staff of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK).
"It was a fairly complex operation. As far as I know, this was the first operation of the full-scale war where a joint special forces unit successfully stormed a site of this level. Typically, this type of mission is more suited for regular infantry brigades with artillery support," he said.
The military explained that the aggregate plant in Vovchansk was essentially a massive fortress, highly fortified and difficult to approach, with full visibility from the air. Due to its strategic importance, it was suggested that specialists from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and RDK fighters be assigned to the task.
"The majority of the enemy forces near the plant were eliminated. Some Russian troops were captured, though I won’t provide exact numbers. Let’s say it was over 10 people," added the RDK chief of staff.
He further noted that the aggregate plant was one of the few locations in the area capable of serving as a full-fledged outpost or staging ground for further advances south of Vovchansk. The city itself has few such locations due to the heavy destruction caused by Russian forces during their assault.
"As of today, the aggregate plant was the most heavily fortified, well-defended, and challenging site to storm, yet the easiest to defend from the enemy's perspective. Only 3-4 similar strongholds remain in the city, but they are less fortified. I believe the Ukrainian Armed Forces will advance and capture these positions, fully reclaiming Vovchansk," said Alexander 'Fortuna'.
He downplayed rumors of extensive hand-to-hand combat at the factory, calling them exaggerated.
"There was one isolated incident when a member of the 45th Brigade apparently lost his firearm, hid in the darkness, and attacked a Junger special forces member with a knife. He injured our comrade but was neutralized. There were rumors that the 45th Brigade, Russia’s airborne special forces, was present at the factory. There weren’t many of them, but this incident did occur," explained the RDK representative.
Background
On Tuesday, September 24, it was reported that Ukrainian forces liberated the aggregate plant in Vovchansk, located in the northern Kharkiv region. The operation involved fighters from special groups of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, including Stuhna, Parahon, RDK, Junger, BDK, and Teror.
Following the clearing of all 30 buildings at the facility, the site was placed under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russian troops had been entrenched at the plant for an extended period but were eventually surrounded and neutralized.
