Ukraine’s Defense Forces carried out a unique airborne operation — a successful parachute-free airdrop in the Pokrovsk area, according to the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces.

The maneuver became one of the most daring episodes of the war: coordinated actions by paratroopers, air defense, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and drone units enabled a breakthrough through Russian lines and strengthened Ukrainian positions.

“Under Russian threat”: How the Pokrovsk operation unfolded

“It was a complex operation requiring synchronized actions across various branches of the Defense Forces. Under direct Russian threat, we had to ensure safe flight conditions and the successful landing of the personnel,” the 7th Corps reported.

Ukrainian units provided air cover and electronic suppression of the Russian military to secure the mission’s success. As a result, Ukrainian forces improved their tactical positions across several districts of Pokrovsk.

Fire control and Russian troops' destruction

Fighting in Pokrovsk remains intense and dynamic. Ukrainian assault groups are increasing their pace, using diversified movement tactics and disrupting Russian logistics.

“We are keeping the Russians under fire control, and the number of eliminated Russian troops in Pokrovsk continues to grow. Over the past week alone, 85 Russians have been neutralized,” the report said.

1,320 occupiers eliminated in October

According to the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces, in October alone, 1,320 Russian troops were killed and another 646 incapacitated within their area of responsibility.

This operation once again demonstrates that Ukrainian paratroopers can operate precisely, rapidly, and fearlessly — even under the most challenging frontline conditions.

Ukrainian paratroopers from the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Air Assault Forces have liberated the village of Sukhetske in Pokrovsk district, Donetsk Oblast. On 25 October, the press service of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine published a video showing soldiers raising the Ukrainian flag in the liberated settlement.

Assault and results

During the assault operations, Ukrainian troops engaged in heavy fighting with a Russian unit numbering more than 60 personnel, the Brigade says. According to the Air Assault Forces, 44 Russian occupiers were killed, eight were wounded, and nine surrendered. The command described the operation as “lightning-fast and uncompromising.”

The command stated that the Air Assault Forces demonstrate "resilience, strength, and precise calculation in the hottest points of the front," emphasizing that every meter of liberated land is a step toward victory earned by the courage and blood of Ukraine’s defenders.

Location and situation near Pokrovsk

Militarnyi noted that Sukhetske is located north of the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad agglomeration, near the city of Rodynske. The liberation of the settlement slightly eases the Russian pressure around the agglomeration. However, Russian forces continue to attack this part of the front, carrying out infantry assaults on Pokrovsk.