A large-scale russian assault on Ukrainian defensive positions near the village of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia region has ended in another costly defeat for the occupiers. According to the 118th Brigade, Ukrainian forces repelled the attack using a combination of drones, artillery, and anti-tank weapons.
The assault began with russian armored column advancing toward Ukrainian positions. Leading the attack was the T-72 tank, which was intended to spearhead the offensive and clear the way for infantry fighting vehicles. However, the lead tank detonated Ukrainian mine, immediately halting the momentum of the entire column and creating chaos among the following units.
Read more: Ukrainian FPVs Smash Two Mi-8s at russia's Central Crimea Airbase
Ukrainian defenders quickly exploited the disruption. Drone operators identified and targeted russian vehicles, while artillery and anti-tank crews delivered precise strikes against the stalled column. This layered defense proved devastatingly effective, dismantling the assault before it could reach Ukrainian trenches.
The confirmed russian losses are significant: 22 soldiers killed and at least 14 wounded. In addition, Ukrainian fire destroyed two T-72 tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, and russian Tigr armored vehicles. The scale of these losses highlights both the effectiveness of Ukrainian tactics and the vulnerability of russian assaults when facing well-prepared defensive positions.
The destruction of armored vehicles also represents a serious material blow to russian forces. With international sanctions limiting Moscow's ability to replace equipment at scale, such losses are increasingly difficult to sustain. For frontline units, this translates into fewer armored assets available for future attacks, weakening overall offensive capability.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian defense sector continues to demonstrate rapid innovation in unmanned systems, with the introduction of the Hara strike-reconnaissance UAV. This platform is currently deployed by the Khyzhak Brigade, providing new capabilities for both surveillance and offensive operations.
According to available information, the Hara drone has a flight range of up to 50 kilometers, which makes it suitable for medium-range missions such as deep reconnaissance, target designation, and precision strikes.
Read more: 50 km Range, Night Vision: the Hara Drone Strengthens Ukrainian Forces
