Ukrainian fighter single-handedly repels Russian assault on Kupiansk front

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the DIU on Facebook.

During combat operations in the Kupiansk sector, a fighter from the DIU’s special unit Bratstvo stood his ground alone against an enemy force five times larger than his own.

In response to the Ukrainian soldier’s effective resistance, Russian forces resorted to prohibited methods of warfare — deploying poisonous gas, then bombarding his position with intense mortar fire and FPV drone attacks.

The soldier sustained multiple shrapnel wounds and was poisoned by an unknown substance, which caused him to lose consciousness intermittently. Holding the position under such conditions became impossible.

Command made the only viable decision — to evacuate the soldier. Despite the active presence of Russian FPV drones, the evacuation team broke through, retrieved the wounded fighter under fire, and transported him to a stabilization point.

Thanks to the coordinated actions and high professionalism of the special forces, the position was not only held but the Russian attackers were pushed back, the DIU emphasized.

As reported by Ukrinform, operators of the 8th Regiment of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces carried out Operation Messenger, during which they evacuated the body of Lithuanian Foreign Legion volunteer Tomas Valentelis from the front line.

Valentelis was killed when Russian forces attacked his group with FPV drones and shelled the area with artillery. His unit had to retreat under heavy fire, leaving his body in the area for several weeks.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda awarded the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces soldiers for successfully recovering the body of the 20-year-old Lithuanian volunteer.