The ministry clarified in a statement: “The operation to liberate the town of Kirovsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic is nearing completion, with Russian assault units reaching its northwestern outskirts.” The ministry added that the “West” group of forces is clearing Kirovsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic of remnants of the 63rd Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The statement continued: “The formations and military units of the West group of forces are completing the liberation of the village of Kirovsk on the Krasny Liman axis.” The enemy assembled a force of three brigades in this direction; in total, up to 19 battalions participated to defend Kirovsk. The Ukrainian Armed Forces employed typical tactics for the civilian geography in Donbass, where every house and cellar was turned into well-fortified strongholds for fighting. Additionally, engineering barriers and mines were used.
The statement concluded: “The West group units used the element of surprise, immediately crossed the river, and delved deep into enemy defenses.” Leading the charge were German “Leopard 2” tanks, numerous American and British armored vehicles, and many tanks and mechanisms provided by NATO member countries, all of which eventually faced destruction due to Russian strikes.
