Satellite image shows destruction of elite Russian unit in Ukraine, MOD says
An elite Russian infantry unit has reportedly taken heavy losses in a failed assault on the town of Vuhledar in eastern Ukraine, according to the latest Ministry of Defence (MOD) intelligence update.
Recent satellite imagery has revealed a "concentration of Russian vehicle losses" in the Vuhledar area of Donetsk Oblast, believed to be from Russia's elite 155th Naval Infantry Brigade.
The imagery shared on the MOD's Twitter account on Sunday claimed to show at least 10 Russian armoured vehicles destroyed to the south east of the town, which has become one of the key areas for Russia's renewed offensive aimed at capturing more territory in the Donbas.
The MOD believes "these vehicles were likely elements of Russia's 155th Naval Infantry (NI) Brigade which has been at the forefront of recent costly offensives".
"The supposedly enhanced capability of NI brigades has now almost certainly been significantly degraded because it has been backfilled with inexperienced mobilised personnel.
"This lack of experience is almost certainly exacerbating Russian officers' tendency to micromanage, which in turn reduces operational agility."
The NI has not been deployed as a single large formation in Ukraine, like the similarly prestigious airborne infantry (VDV).
Instead, individual units have been attached to Ground Forces-dominated Groups of Forces.
The MOD says "NI has been tasked with some of the toughest tactical missions in the war and has suffered extremely high casualties".
"There is a realistic possibility that degraded NI units will again be committed to new assaults near Vuhledar."
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