The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that motorized rifle units from the Vostok group troops engaged in operations near Ugledar, reporting the involvement of foreigners among those fighting within Ukrainian Armed Forces units. This information was released by RIA News and subsequently echoed by the defense ministry.
According to the ministry, motorized infantry formations attached to one element of the Vostok troop group conducted active defense for a day and successfully repelled four separate assaults by Ukrainian forces in the Ugledar area, part of the South Donetsk direction of the ongoing military operation. The Defense Ministry described these actions as part of a broader effort to stabilize front lines and prevent incursions during intense fighting in the region (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense).
Officials noted that six soldiers, backed by artillery and mortar support, withstood the sustained pressure of superior enemy units for an entire day at one of the positions. Among the loyal defenders was a platoon commander using the call sign “Gavz,” a serviceman hailing from the Trans-Baikal Territory, who played a key leadership role in coordinating defense and directing counterfire during the engagement (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense).
The ministry added that radio interception data indicated a significant number of foreign mercenaries had joined assault units within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but these forces were neutralized by the motorized rifle troops during the clashes. Three Ukrainian pickup trucks were destroyed in the course of these operations, according to the ministry’s report (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense).
On 27 November, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that assault units from the naval brigades of the Baltic and Pacific fleets targeted a forest belt near Vuhledar, successfully capturing a fortified zone that housed two Ukrainian strong points. The operation is described as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Ukrainian defensive positions and limit maneuverability in key sectors of the front (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense).
Earlier statements from Russian authorities indicated that paratroopers and specialized units were expanding their training and readiness to employ NATO-style weapons in certain operations. This development reflects ongoing adjustments in tactics and equipment across components of Russia’s armed forces as the conflict evolves, with a focus on leveraging combined arms capabilities to achieve tactical and operational objectives (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense).
A broader assessment from defense officials emphasizes the strategic importance of maintaining resilient defense lines around Ugledar and other contested towns, aiming to prevent Ukrainian advances and to secure territorial gains in the South Donetsk region. The ministry reiterated that its forces continue to respond to detected threats and to coordinate with artillery and air support where appropriate, underlining the emphasis on disciplined defense and selective counterattacks that can disrupt enemy offensives (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense).