Lauge Risom Koch 
Ukrainian special forces say they have retaken key positions in Stepnohirsk after intense urban fighting and are now preparing for possible Russian counterattacks.
Ukrainian special forces say they have driven Russian troops from fortified positions in the frontline town of Stepnohirsk following intense urban combat operations.
Military intelligence officials say Ukrainian forces are now preparing for possible counterattacks as fighting continues on the Zaporizhzhia front.
Urban assault
According to Digi24, citing Ukrinform and Ukraine’s military intelligence agency HUR, the operation was carried out by the Artan special unit alongside neighbouring Defence Forces units.
HUR released combat footage from the assault, describing the fighting as a coordinated offensive aimed at stabilising the situation in the city.
The agency said Ukrainian troops succeeded in forcing Russian forces out of fortified positions during the operation.
Key areas of Stepnohirsk were subsequently brought under Ukrainian control, according to the statement.
Drone threat
Ukrinform reported that one vehicle carrying Ukrainian assault groups came under attack from a Russian FPV drone during the advance.
According to Digi24, HUR claimed the drone was destroyed before it could halt the operation.
The assault reportedly relied heavily on aerial reconnaissance and precision strikes during combat in densely built urban areas.
Fighting in the city was described as difficult due to entrenched Russian positions and the threat of hidden explosives or remaining troops.
Preparing defence
Artan commander Viktor Torkotyuk said Ukrainian troops carefully inspected buildings throughout the operation.
“Each building was checked for ‘surprises’ and remaining enemy personnel,” he said.
Torkotyuk added that Ukrainian forces expect Russia may attempt to retake positions inside the town.
“We do not rule out that the enemy will continue attempts to re-enter the city, but we are prepared for this,” he said.
Frontline pressure
The reported operation comes as Ukrainian forces continue efforts to regain territory across several contested regions.
According to Ukrinform, Ukrainian Defence Forces also recently restored control over the village of Odradne and nearby territory in the Kharkiv region.
Heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front as both sides attempt to strengthen positions ahead of further offensives, reports Digi24.
Sources: Digi24, Ukrinform, HUR Ukraine
