Despite shortages of artillery shells in Ukraine, its 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade has reportedly repelled repeated attacks for months, including one by an elite Russian marine brigade.
In late March, Russian troops targeted the villages of Urozhaine and Staromaiorske. It took three months, but after occupying Staromaiorske in June, Russian forces reclaimed Urozhaine on July 14.
The defence and loss of Urozhaine and Staromaiorske were detailed through conversations with Ukrainian soldiers and a survivor’s social media post. Official Russian posts confirmed many details.
The loss of the villages was a setback for Ukraine amid recent Russian gains along the 600-mile front line. The Ukrainian marine infantry had fought hard to capture these villages during their counteroffensive.
The 58th brigade and attached National Guard units defending Urozhaine faced significant casualties. Up to 100 men were either killed or went missing during three months of fighting. Commanders were preparing for potential reprimands from the military high command, which demands holding positions at all costs.
Soldiers inside the villages reported no civilians and destroyed houses, making defence difficult. Major Karay, 43, described the battles occurring in ruins and basements with minimal defensive structures. Russian troops had occupied half of Urozhaine by June, and intense fighting ensued.
The final retreat from Urozhaine was swift. Survivors from the 58th Brigade were hospitalised and unavailable for interviews. National Guard member Mark posted an account on social media, verified by The New York Times. His unit endured heavy bombardment before retreating under intense fire.
Official Russian reports described coordinated assaults leading to the capture of Urozhaine. Russian marines carried out the main assault, with fast-moving attacks using dune buggies.
Mark’s unit withdrew through fields, facing drone-targeted artillery. Mark was wounded and assisted by a fellow soldier, eventually reaching a medical station after 12 hours. His company survived, but other units suffered casualties.
After capturing Urozhaine, Russian forces faced Ukrainian drone attacks. Russian soldier Hors described the intense resistance, with Ukrainian drones heavily targeting the village.
Soldiers on the nearby front reported exhaustion from repeated Russian assaults and months of fighting in Urozhaine. They described Russian troops as determined and motivated.
Members of the 58th brigade continued to defend positions near Urozhaine, using electronic jammers and makeshift barriers against explosive drones. They faced dangers during rotations and recent mortar fire incidents resulted in casualties.
The brigade’s sniper unit has adapted to double as a drone team. Sniper Sten, 28, now a drone pilot, shared videos of successful strikes on Russian targets. He noted the persistent small-group attacks by Russian troops on motorbikes.
“We will restrain them as much as we can,” Sten said.