June 17, 2026
No group reached the first line of defense
Ukrainian paratroopers repel one of the largest Russian assaults in the Sloviansk direction (the Donetsk region), with no enemy group reaching even the first line of defense, according to the 7th Air Assault Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces.
“Paratroopers of the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade of the 7th Air Assault Corps stopped a two-day mechanized assault by the enemy in the Sloviansk direction,” the statement said.
According to the paratroopers, Russian forces launched several waves of attacks on Ukrainian positions over the course of two days.
Forces deployed by Russia
For the assault operation, the Russian army used:
- 28 motorcycles;
- 1 tank;
- 3 infantry fighting vehicles;
- 7 military vehicles;
- More than 50 servicemen.
The Air Assault Forces noted that the invaders attempted to break through the defense lines, deploy infantry, and establish positions on tactically advantageous ground.
How the assault unfolded
According to the military, the enemy simultaneously deployed two assault groups along different routes.
One group advanced from Platonivka toward Zakitne, while the other moved from Siversk toward the settlement of Kryva Luka.
“Thanks to the timely detection of the enemy, as well as the coordinated efforts of reconnaissance units and unmanned systems units, the assault was stopped before it could even reach the first line of defense,” the Air Assault Forces said.
Symbolic day
Defense Minister’s advisor Serhii Sternenko said that the occupying forces launched one of their largest assaults in the Sloviansk direction on the so-called Russia Day.
According to him, the Apachi unmanned systems unit, together with adjacent forces, thwarted the attempted offensive.
Situation on the front line
According to the Financial Times, sources close to Russian President Vladimir Putin claim that he expects to seize the entirety of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by autumn 2026 and then strengthen his demands in negotiations.
However, assessments by the Institute for the Study of War indicate that the real situation on the battlefield is far more challenging for Russia. Analysts have also reported Ukrainian successes in two separate directions.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that June and July could become decisive months in the war.
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukrainian-forces-crush-massive-russian-assault-1781702775.html
A massive russian assault now consists of 28 motorcycles, a tank and 50 orcs. putler keep thinking he’s winning this war.
YEAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!🇺🇦💪