Through ice: Enemy infiltrates Zakitne, Ukrainian paratroopers begin clearing operation
Photo illustration: The enemy infiltrated Zakitne, and paratroopers began clearing the area (Getty Images)
Russian forces infiltrated the village of Zakitne in the Lyman community of Ukraine’s Donetsk region by crossing the frozen Siverskyi Donets River. Search-and-strike operations are currently underway, according to the 7th Air Assault Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Read also: Ukrainian Air Assault Forces report intense fighting in country's east
According to the military, Russian troops continue offensive actions from three directions, with a particular focus on slipping into the flanks of Ukrainian defensive positions.
"In recent days, several small enemy groups managed to cross the Siverskyi Donets via frozen sections of the river and infiltrate the space between Ukrainian positions," the statement said.
Ukrainian units are now conducting search-and-attack operations to locate and eliminate the enemy inside the settlement.
Isolated cases have also been recorded of enemy groups moving along the Siverskyi Donets River from the direction of the Serebryansky forest area and using lowlands as cover from firepower and reconnaissance.
According to DeepState analysts, on February 9, Russian forces advanced in the Sloviansk direction, entering Zakitne and seizing part of the village.
Photo: DeepState map
At the same time, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that over the past day, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 Russian attacks near Rai-Oleksandrivka, Ozerne, Dronivka, Zakitne, and Platonivka.
Situation in the Sloviansk direction
Back in December, Russian forces attempted to seize the banks of the Siverskyi Donets near several settlements to deploy artillery and drones and gain control over key roads.
Military officials said the enemy ferried troops across the river near Dronivka, Platonivka, and Zakitne, including from the direction of Yampil, using motorized rubber boats.
The Russian troops also reportedly planned to take control of the settlements of Serebrianka and Dronivka, followed by high ground near Zakitne and Platonivka.
In January, reports emerged of attempts by Russian troops to infiltrate Dronivka in small groups and bypass Ukrainian positions along the Siversk–Zakitne road.
