Ukraine destroys nine Russian tanks with drones in Donetsk assault

Ukrainian border guards successfully repelled a Russian assault in the eastern Donetsk region, destroying nine tanks, two armored vehicles, and three Grad rocket launchers with drones. The attack, occurring on the Dobropilia front, was notable for the unusually large number of armored vehicles deployed by Russia.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian Border Guard Service, Russian forces employed "dozens" of armored vehicles. This scale of deployment is considered rare in the current phase of the war, as both armies typically avoid concentrating heavy vehicles due to the significant threat posed by drones capable of targeting them.

Ukrainian defense officials released video footage showing the destruction of some of the Russian tanks. The Border Guard Service, whose units operate alongside the Army and National Guard, emphasized that such a large-scale attack had not been seen in their sector of the front for some time. The destroyed Grad launchers were intended to provide cover for the advancing tanks and armored vehicles.

After two years largely on the defensive along the entire front, Ukraine has made territorial gains in the southeastern part of the front in 2026. Russia, however, continues its slow but steady advance toward its objective of conquering the entire Donetsk region, of which Moscow claims to control over 80%.