During recent fighting near Kupiansk, a fighter from Ukraine’s Bratstvo unit, part of the Defense Intelligence's Tymur special unit, held off an enemy assault despite being outnumbered five to one. The incident highlights both the intensity of combat in the area and the challenges Ukrainian forces continue to face along this front.
The Ukrainian fighter's defense was effective enough to delay or disrupt russian assault. In response, russian troops reportedly used banned chemical agents to dislodge him from the position – a violation of international law. This was followed by mortar shelling and repeated FPV drone strikes.
Read more: Ukrainian Forces Eliminate russian Skat 350M Drone Crew and Equipment in Tokmak
As a result, the soldier sustained multiple shrapnel wounds and signs of poisoning from the unknown substance, including intermittent loss of consciousness. In this condition, further defense of the position was no longer feasible.
Ukrainian command ordered an evacuation. Despite the presence of russian drones in the area, a team was able to reach the injured servicemember, extract him under fire, and deliver him to a stabilization point for treatment.
Ukrainian forces later managed to retain control of the position and push back the russian troops. The operation was described as successful in preventing a breakthrough on this sector of the front.
The exact nature of the chemical agent used remains unconfirmed, and further medical analysis is ongoing. Ukrainian officials have not named the injured soldier.
As Defense Express previously reported, in the early hours of July 16, 2025, a powerful explosion rocked the outskirts of the temporarily occupied city of Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia region. The blast targeted green UAZ-452, Soviet-era van commonly nicknamed the Bukhanka due to its boxy shape. The vehicle was destroyed in the incident, along with its occupants and payload.
Inside the van were two russian servicemen identified as members of a drone reconnaissance crew. These operators were responsible for piloting the Skat 350M UAV, a drone type frequently used by russian forces for aerial surveillance and artillery spotting in the region.
Read more: Ukrainian Border Guards Take Down Shahed Drone Flying at 1,500 Meters
