Russian troops suffer massive losses during the assault on Stepnohirsk - Budanov
Kyiv • UNN
The "Artan" special unit drove the occupiers out of fortified positions in Stepnohirsk. Budanov reported heavy enemy losses and thanked the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Russian occupiers are unsuccessfully attempting to occupy Stepnohirsk in the Vasylivka district of the Zaporizhzhia region, committing significant resources but suffering enormous losses. This was reported on social media by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, according to UNN.
Details
Budanov reposted a video of the battles for the city, which is being defended by fighters from the "Artan" special unit of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Budanov himself headed the GUR from August 5, 2020, to January 2, 2026.
"I thank the special forces of the GUR of the MoD of Ukraine and all units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, who all this time have demonstrated professionalism and courage, holding the lines and destroying the Russian occupiers, giving them no chance to threaten Zaporizhzhia,"
Context
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that key locations in Stepnohirsk have come under the control of the Defense Forces; as a result of battles in difficult urban conditions, the Russian occupying forces were driven out of fortified positions.