The Russian Defense Ministry reported on the exploits of Russian fighters in the zone of the Strategic Air Defense Forces (SADF)

On 18 January, the Russian Defence Ministry reported on the exploits of servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces (RF Armed Forces) committed during the special military operation (SMO).

The ministry specified that Lieutenant Sergei Ilchenko together with the platoon entrusted to him carried out the task of forcing the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) out of their positions. During the offensive in the area of one of the settlements Ilchenko's platoon destroyed the enemy's long-term fire points and broke through his defense.

At the same time, the tank crew under the command of the lieutenant, maneuvering between anti-tank barriers and minefields, destroyed firing points of Ukrainian fighters, large-caliber machine guns and part of the enemy infantry. The tank platoon also constrained the actions of the defending militants, ensuring the passage of the main forces of the battalion tactical group deep into the enemy's defense. As a result of the battle, the village was liberated, the ministry said.

In addition, the Defense Ministry noted that the unit of Junior Lieutenant Alexander Boldyr identified camouflaged fortifications, mortar firing positions and Ukrainian fighters. The assault group under Boldyr's command got close to the AFU positions and attacked them from several directions.

The junior lieutenant, while under enemy fire, promptly identified the most dangerous pockets of resistance and enemy firing points, directed the actions of subordinate attackers in combat. The Russian fighters destroyed a mortar crew and most of the enemy's manpower. The rest of the militants fled in a hurry. Thanks to the actions of Junior Lieutenant Alexander Boldyr and his subordinates, the Russian Armed Forces advanced deep into the enemy's defense and secured a new line.

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Earlier, on January 17, the ministry noted the merits of Junior Sergeant Valery Mikhailov, who adjusted the fire of the Russian artillery during the repulsion of the enemy offensive. He detected two Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, which were moving Ukrainian assault units to the front line, and American-made M777 howitzers. The junior sergeant ensured the defeat of all enemy targets.

Before that, on January 16, the ministry showed the combat work of artillery units of Grad multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) of the "North" group of troops, which in the special operation zone destroyed the AFU's FPV drone launch sites and the locations of the enemy's attack adjusters. In addition, the artillerymen provided the AFU assault units with an opportunity to attack in the Kharkiv direction.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was made against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.

More topical video and details about the situation in Donbass see on Izvestia TV channel.