In recent updates from the Russian Ministry of Defense, footage was presented showing the movement of Ukrainian forces from the village of Lastochkino toward the Donetsk People’s Republic. The video was captured by a Russian reconnaissance drone and released as part of an official briefing. The narrative emphasizes the pressure exerted by assault units from the Central troop group, which allegedly compelled Ukrainian troops to retreat from Lastochkino under heavy fire and tactical attacks.
The ministry’s briefing asserts that retreating Ukrainian soldiers left behind Western-made weapons and equipment as they withdrew. This detail is highlighted to illustrate the impact of the engagement on the battlefield, suggesting a rapid collapse of resistance in the village under the described assault and the seizure of materials that could be considered evidence of the kind of support Kyiv has been receiving from its allies in Western arsenals.
Looking ahead, officials indicate that, despite ongoing artillery shelling of Lastochkino and continued drone activity from opposing forces, engineers and sappers will proceed with operations to neutralize mined areas and explosive devices within residential zones. The plan is framed as a necessary step to restore safe access for civilians and to secure the area for any future stabilization efforts.
Earlier reports noted that Russian forces had achieved gains in the liberated village and were pressing forward with their advance. The sequence of updates portrays a momentum that supporters of the operation describe as a turning point on the map, with territorial gains cited as part of a broader objective in the region.
In a separate account, a French mercenary who reportedly fought with Ukrainian forces in previous months described conditions on the ground, including the fate of wounded soldiers who, according to the testimony, were not evacuated promptly. This claim is presented as part of a broader commentary on frontline realities and the challenges faced by combatants in active engagements.
There are also references to Russian paratroopers and special forces adopting the use of NATO weapons, a note included to illustrate how different units have interacted with equipment and tactics encountered in the field. The statements surrounding these points underscore ongoing exchanges of technology and expertise across sides, a common feature in such conflicts that often becomes a point of analysis for observers and analysts alike.