Defense forces brace for separatist offensive in northwest; Snezhniy victory hailed as turning point

 Zelenogorsk Pravda

The Voice of the People

DEFENSE FORCES BRACE FOR SEPARATIST OFFENSIVE IN NORTHWEST; SNEZHNIY VICTORY HAILED AS TURNING POINT

By Svetlana Golikova, Senior Defense Correspondent

ZELENOGORSK – Following a decisive defensive victory at Snezhniy that saw separatist armored forces repelled with minimal government casualties, military commanders are now reporting that enemy forces are massing for a major new offensive along a critical frontline axis in Northwestern Chernarus.

According to operational summaries provided to this correspondent, the line running through Bypechkovo, Yashkul’, Pshenichnoye Pole, and Yalmta—a strategic front that saw heavy fighting throughout the winter—is now the anticipated main effort for separatist forces. Intelligence gathered from unmanned aerial vehicle overflights, ground interdiction patrols, and signals monitoring confirms that the enemy is preparing to strike within the coming days.

The report, compiled by Colonel Denis Rozhkov, Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff for the 2nd Army Corps, paints a picture of an enemy that has learned from its recent failures but remains dependent on a mix of conventional armor and hastily mobilized irregulars.

A Decisive Defense at Snezhniy

The assessment follows what military analysts are calling a textbook defensive operation conducted by the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade at Snezhniy. There, government forces successfully repelled separatist attempts to seize the village, suffering what the report describes as a “near-zero” casualty rate among armored and infantry assets.

The same cannot be said for the attacking forces. Field counts confirmed the destruction of three T-55 tanks, two BRDM scout cars, at least two BMP infantry fighting vehicles, and two technicals. Perhaps more telling, pilot reports from Su-25 ground interdiction fighters indicated that an additional 50 percent of enemy vehicle losses were non-combat in nature—the result of mechanical breakdowns and fuel shortages.

Military intelligence attributed the enemy’s poor performance to systemic readiness failures, specifically citing difficulties in transitioning from cold-weather to warm-weather operations.

“The enemy’s mobile forces are struggling with the fundamentals,” one intelligence officer familiar with the assessment told Zelenogorsk Pravda on condition of anonymity. “What should have been a costly engagement for us instead exposed their logistical weaknesses.”

Enemy Regroups, Adds Irregulars

But that window of vulnerability may be closing. Intelligence reports indicate that separatist forces have since conducted extensive vehicle repairs and replacements, restoring their mobile strength to nearly 95 percent of nominal levels. Hundreds of tons of fuel and ammunition are reportedly moving into forward operational areas.

In a significant development, the report details that the upcoming offensive will be augmented by a large irregular component—armed civilians recruited from villages and towns in the northern regions. Intercepted communications, agent reporting, and interrogations of captured enemy personnel have confirmed the recruitment drive.

These reinforcements, described as the equivalent of approximately two platoons in size, are said to be armed primarily with AK-47 variants and scoped hunting rifles. They will advance on foot, lacking vehicles or heavy weapons of their own.

While individually no match for government mobile forces, the report assesses that these irregulars are intended to act as a “force multiplier”—fixing government units in place to create vulnerabilities for enemy armored assets to exploit.

Government Forces Prepare

In response, the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade has adopted a deliberate defensive posture. Commanders will focus on holding the Bypechkovo–Yashkul’–Pshenichnoye Pole–Yalmta line while refraining from offensive operations south of that axis. The strategy, according to the report, is designed to invite the commitment of the enemy’s best tank formations into a prepared defensive engagement.

Further reinforcing the government’s operational depth, the 2nd Army Corps has placed two additional units on heightened standby: elements of the 31st Air Assault Regiment and the 17th Separate Mechanized Cavalry Regiment. These forces will be held at the operational level, ready to launch counterattacks should the situation require.

Operations are set to commence March 26th, according to the timeline outlined in the report.

A Deliberate Approach

Colonel Rozhkov’s assessment concludes that while the enemy retains the initiative for offensive action in the region, government forces are positioned to absorb the coming assault and are prepared to respond with decisive counterstrikes.

“The coming days will test the mettle of our defensive lines,” the report states, “but with reserves at the ready and a clear understanding of enemy intentions, we are prepared to meet the threat.”

As the March 26th timeline approaches, residents of towns along the contested line are advised to remain attentive to official instructions. Military authorities have not yet announced any evacuation orders but stress that the situation remains fluid.

Svetlana Golikova is Zelenogorsk Pravda’s senior defense correspondent, covering military operations in Chernarus since 2019.

OPERATIONS REPORT for Chernarus 2nd Army Corps in Northwestern Chernarus, March 23rd, 2026

 

OPERATIONS REPORT

TO: Corps Commander, Chernarus 2nd Army Corps (MG Vadim Nabokov)
TO: Brigade Commander, 3rd Separate Tank Brigade (COL Igor Maltsev)
TO: Command ChCOG (ADM Vadim Ivanov)
TO: Commander Intelligence ChCOG (RADM Igor Kasatonov)

FROM: Colonel Denis Rozhkov, Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, 2nd Army Corps

SUBJECT: Operations Report: Northwestern Chernarus

CLASSIFICATION: Secret

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1. BACKGROUND

Following the successful defensive operation conducted by 2nd Battalion, 3rd Separate Tank Brigade, at Snezhniy, post-operational analysis reveals a near-zero casualty rate for friendly armored and infantry assets. The task force successfully repelled separatist attempts to seize the village.

Compiled reports from the 2nd Battalion Task Force Commander, Su-25 ground interdiction pilots, and local agents indicate that enemy mobile forces sustained significant degradation. Enemy losses were attributed to a combination of effective defensive fires, mechanical breakdowns, and fuel logistics failures.

Field counts confirm the destruction of three (3) T-55 tanks, two (2) BRDM scout cars, a minimum of two (2) BMPs, and two (2) technicals. Pilot assessments indicate non-combat (mechanical/logistical) losses constituted an additional 50% of the total enemy vehicle attrition.

The engagement at Snezhniy utilized the north-south axis to facilitate enemy approach. The unexpectedly low friendly casualty rate is attributed not to enemy restraint, but to systemic readiness failures within separatist mobile forces, specifically related to the transition from cold-weather to warm-weather operations.

2. CURRENT ENEMY SITUATION

One week into renewed operations in Northwestern Chernarus, a multi-source intelligence collection effort (including UAV overflights, Su-25 patrols, and signals intelligence) has confirmed that separatist forces are planning a major offensive. The primary objective is the line Bypechkovo–Yashkul’–Pshenichnoye Pole–Yalmta, a strategic axis heavily contested during winter operations.

Enemy operational readiness has improved significantly. Vehicle repairs and replacements have restored their mobile force strength to approximately 95% of nominal levels. Electronic intelligence further confirms the movement of hundreds of tons of fuel and ammunition into forward operational areas.

3. ENEMY FORCE COMPOSITION

In addition to conventional mobile forces, the separatists intend to integrate a significant irregular component.

• Composition: The force will consist of armed civilians, primarily equipped with AK-47 variants and snipers utilizing scoped hunting rifles.

• Source: Recruitment operations, confirmed via intercepted communications, local agent reporting, and interrogation of captured enemy agents, are actively sourcing personnel from villages and towns in the northern regions.

• Characteristics:

  • Mass: The irregular contingent will add a force equivalent to approximately two (2) platoons to the attacking echelon.

  • Mobility: This element will conduct attacks by foot, lacking organic vehicles or heavy weapons.

• Role: While individually weak against mobile forces, these irregulars will function as a force multiplier, intended to fix friendly units and create vulnerabilities for exploitation by enemy armored assets.

4. FRIENDLY OPERATIONS

a. 3rd Separate Tank Brigade
The brigade command will adopt a defensive posture focused on holding the Bypechkovo–Yashkul’–Pshenichnoye Pole–Yalmta line. Offensive operations south of this line are to be withheld. This posture is designed to invite the commitment of the enemy’s best tank formations into a prepared defensive engagement.

b. 2nd Army Corps (Operational Reserve)
Corps command has directed that two (2) additional units be maintained at heightened readiness:

• Elements, 31st Air Assault Regiment

• 17th Separate Mechanized Cavalry Regiment

These forces will be available at the operational level to conduct counterattacks to restore the tactical situation or exploit any defensive success.

5. EXECUTION TIMELINE

Operations associated with this phase are scheduled to commence March 26th.

6. CONCLUSION

The enemy retains the initiative for offensive action in Northwestern Chernarus. While their mobile forces have recovered from previous logistical failures, they are now integrating a significant irregular component to augment their conventional attack. The 3rd Separate Tank Brigade is directed to assume a defensive posture to absorb and defeat the anticipated assault, with corps-level reserves prepared for decisive counterattack.

AUTHORIZED FOR RELEASE:

COLONEL DENIS ROZHKOV
Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, 2nd Army Corps

PROPOSAL FOR OPERATION STEADFAST DEFIANCE

 PROPOSAL FOR OPERATION STEADFAST DEFIANCE

TO: CDF High Command, Southern Sector
FROM: G-3 (Operations) and G-2 (Intelligence)
DATE: [Current Date]
SUBJECT: Proposal for a Spoiling Attack in the South Zagoria Sector

1. SITUATION

a. Enemy Forces:
Separatist forces, under the operational command of a Russian captain from a headquarters established in Sinystok, have massed for a major offensive. Intelligence confirms the presence of a separatist Brigade conducting final preparations.

• Composition: The enemy force is a composite group including:

  • Conventional Armor: Medium and heavy tracked vehicles sighted moving through Vavilovo.

  • Professional Infantry: Training grounds established near Vavilovo.

  • Mercenary/Sponsor Forces: Unconfirmed reports of Iranian, Spanish-speaking, and Serbian regulars.

  • Special Operations Forces (SOF): Credible reports of Wagner Group operators and Russian Naval Infantry (Spetsnaz) presence.

  • Irregulars: Local armed civilians, potentially mobilized to battalion strength, a significant increase from previously encountered squad-level elements.

• Capabilities: The enemy can conduct combined-arms operations with artillery support and heavy armor. Their primary threat is a large-scale conventional assault supported by elite units.

• Intentions: The separatists are planning a spoiler offensive to seize the villages of Lopatino, Zabolotye, and Bogatyrka, likely to disrupt CDF defensive lines and establish a foothold before winter.

b. Friendly Forces:
CDF forces currently hold Lopatino. Local constabulary elements are conducting presence patrols but are not equipped for high-intensity conflict.

c. Civilian Considerations:
The enemy is actively using civilian populations in Lopatino and Vavilovo for intelligence gathering. We must anticipate that enemy irregulars will blend in with civilians, complicating targeting and maneuver.

2. MISSION

CDF forces will conduct a two-phase spoiling attack (Operation STEADFAST DEFIANCE) to disrupt enemy offensive preparations, destroy forward-deployed forces and logistics near Vavilovo, and secure the railway and highway crossroads northwest of the village. This operation is designed to seize the initiative and force the enemy to react to our terms.

3. EXECUTION

Concept of Operations: This operation is a deliberate, two-phased spoiling attack. The first phase is a feint to provoke a reaction and confirm enemy strength and positions. The second phase is the main effort, a decisive combined-arms assault to achieve the operation's objectives.

Phase 1: PROVOKE & DECEIVE (D-Day, H-Hour)

• Mission: A light infantry company (+) will conduct a deliberate, high-profile probe north from Lopatino.

• Tasks:

  • Engage and destroy any separatist forward security elements.

  • Simulate the beginning of a larger infantry assault.

  • Upon encountering organized resistance, or after reaching Phase Line (PL) "Iron," conduct a tactical withdrawal back to defensive positions in Lopatino.

  • Purpose: To draw enemy forces out of hiding, confirm the presence of irregulars at higher-than-expected strength, and make the enemy command in Sinystok believe the CDF main effort is an unsupported infantry attack. This will encourage them to commit their reserves prematurely.

Phase 2: DECAPITATE & DISRUPT (D-Day + 24 Hours)

• Mission: A combined-arms task force will launch a penetration attack from Lopatino, seize Vavilovo, and secure Objective "ANVIL" (the railway/highway crossroads 1km NW of Vavilovo).

• Main Effort: 1st Mechanized Battalion.

  • Tasks:

    1. Penetration: With armor and air support, break through any enemy forces reconstituted north of Lopatino. Focus on destroying the identified heavy armor assets.

    2. Seizure of Vavilovo: Clear the village of Vavilovo of enemy combatants, focusing on the logistics and training areas identified by intelligence. Rapid clearance is essential to prevent the enemy from using the town as a strongpoint.

    3. Assault to Objective ANVIL: Push immediately to secure the crossroads. This terrain is key to interdicting enemy supply lines (from Sinystok) and blocking any immediate counterattack route.

• Supporting Effort: CDF Artillery Group.

  • Tasks:

    • Provide counter-battery fire to suppress reported separatist artillery.

    • Conduct preparatory fires on Phase 2 assault routes.

    • Be prepared to deliver priority fires to defeat expected armored counterattacks.

• Air Support: CDF Air Force.

  • Tasks:

    • Provide close air support (CAS) for the seizure of Vavilovo and the advance to Objective ANVIL.

    • Conduct armed reconnaissance to the north and west to monitor enemy reinforcement routes from Sinystok.

    • Be prepared to engage high-value targets, including the reported headquarters element if it moves.

4. ADMINISTRATION & LOGISTICS

• Supply: Priority of supply for Phase 2 will be main battle tank ammunition and anti-armor munitions to counter the expected heavy counterattacks.

• Medical: Establish a casualty collection point in Lopatino. Plan for mass casualty events given the reported presence of enemy heavy weapons.

• Personnel: Ensure all Phase 1 troops are clearly identified and briefed on the deception plan to ensure a convincing performance and a safe withdrawal.

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL

• Command Post: Main CDF Command will remain at [Current Location]. Forward Command Post will establish in Lopatino for the duration of Phase 2.

• Signal: Strict communications security (COMSEC) will be observed prior to Phase 2. Phase 1 radio traffic will be deliberately "sloppy" to feed enemy SIGINT collection as part of the deception plan.

• Succession of Command: Standard CDF protocol.

6. RISK ASSESSMENT & MITIGATION

• Risk 1 (Critical): The enemy SOF elements (Wagner, Naval Infantry) could conduct a flanking attack on our armor.

  • Mitigation: Air support and reconnaissance will maintain constant surveillance of the flanks. Reserve forces will be positioned to counter such a move.

• Risk 2 (High): Irregular forces using civilian shields in Vavilovo.

  • Mitigation: Use precision munitions where possible. Loudspeaker teams will be attached to lead elements to broadcast warnings to civilians in Russian to vacate the area. Rules of Engagement (ROE) will be reinforced.

• Risk 3 (High): The enemy headquarters in Sinystok launches an immediate, massive counterattack with all available forces before we can consolidate Objective ANVIL.

  • Mitigation: Speed is critical. We must seize the crossroads quickly and establish a strong defensive posture. Air power will be essential in attriting the second wave of enemy reinforcements before they reach our positions. Phase 1 is designed to make them overcommit.

Conclusion: Operation STEADFAST DEFIANCE directly addresses the imminent threat. By using a deception operation followed by a concentrated, combined-arms punch, we can disrupt the separatists' build-up, destroy their combat power forward, and seize key terrain, thereby regaining the initiative and securing the southern sector.

Brigade Commander Details Three Successful Strikes; Casualties "Moderate," Vehicle Losses "Irreplaceable"

In an exclusive interview, Colonel Igor Lifanov of the 10th Separate Tank Brigade provides a tactical account of recent operations while adhering to the strict constraints of the General Political Agreement.

By Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Writer, Zelenogorsk Pravda

ZELENOGORSK — In the fog of war that blankets the North Zagoria conflict zone, separating victory from defeat often depends on which headquarters is releasing the report. In an exclusive interview this week, I sat down with Colonel Igor Lifanov, Commander of the 10th Separate Tank Brigade, to get a ground-truth assessment of three controversial engagements that have sparked fierce debate among military observers.

Facing rumors ranging from catastrophic defeat to effortless victory, Colonel Lifanov provided a clear-eyed assessment of his brigade’s recent actions in the villages of Novoselovka Perviy, Volnovakha, and Yelenovka. The picture he paints is one of operational success achieved at a significant, and sometimes "irreplaceable," material cost.

"We have been successful in the last three operations in either capturing towns and villages held by the enemy or preventing the enemy from capturing friendly towns," Col. Lifanov stated, setting a definitive tone regarding the outcomes.

Clearing Novoselovka Amidst Atrocity

The first operation, conducted in the village of Novoselovka Perviy, saw a brigade task force assault and clear separatist forces. While the military objective was achieved, the operation was overshadowed by a horrific discovery made prior to the assault.

Colonel Lifanov confirmed that his tactical commanders were aware of intelligence regarding the massacre of civilians by separatist-aligned "local levies" before the battle commenced. These reports, some of which have surfaced on social media and in podcasts by local residents, detail armed men rounding up civilians, loading them onto a bus, and executing them just outside the village.

"We know from sources within the village... that armed men had gathered up a number of civilians, loaded them into a bus, drove in a short distance from the village, for them to dismount, and then they were shot," Lifanov told me, his tone grave. He stated that the Task Force commander on the ground was specifically ordered to document the site. Photographs of the mass grave were taken and have been forwarded to brigade and corps-level intelligence, as well as criminal investigation staffs. "At the moment, that is all we can say about it," he added, noting that tactical conditions prevented any forensic work at the time.

Daylight Assault and Armored Losses

Regarding the subsequent battles, Colonel Lifanov was transparent about the cost of victory. In Volnovakha, during a daylight battle to recapture the village, the brigade lost one T-72 tank permanently. Two others were damaged but, thanks to the skill of maintenance crews, were "quickly returned to service."

Similarly, in Yelenovka, where troops intercepted a major enemy force attempting to capture the village, the brigade inflicted significant damage on separatist mobile units but again suffered the loss of a T-72, with another damaged and repaired.

The heaviest material losses occurred during the initial operation at Novoselovka. "Our forces suffered heavy damage, with one T-72 lost and one BTR lost," Lifanov reported. "Both were irreplaceable losses."

Despite these losses, the Colonel characterized overall personnel casualties as "moderate," based on preliminary reports, though he acknowledged he has yet to receive final numbers. This contradicts unofficial reports that have suggested regional hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed with casualties.

The GPA Mandate: "We Do Not Hold Territory"

Perhaps the most critical aspect of the interview addressed the strategic reality of the conflict. Despite the blood and treasure spent to secure these villages, Colonel Lifanov confirmed that Chernarusan forces are no longer in control of them.

"As you must be aware from the General Political Agreement (GPA), our forces will not be present in any of these towns or villages once the operation is concluded," he explained. Reinforcements are typically withdrawn within 12 to 24 hours, leaving the villages in civilian hands, regardless of the military outcome.

So, do we control the ground we fought for? I asked.

"By law and by the terms of the GPA, our forces are not allowed to hold any of these locales," Lifanov clarified. "They must be and remain in civilian control. The only time our forces will be in control is when we are encountering enemy forces. In those cases, they will be defeated."

When asked what is next for the brigade, the Colonel’s answer was stoic and placed the onus back on the separatists. "What is next is up to them."

The interview confirms that while the 10th Separate Tank Brigade continues to fulfill its tactical missions effectively, the strategic landscape of North Zagoria remains a volatile patchwork, where victories are measured in enemy casualties inflicted rather than territory held, and where the ghosts of atrocities like the one in Novoselovka Perviy continue to haunt the battlefields.

From catastrophe to Victory: Air assault troops rescue civilians in daring Ivanovka campaign

 ZELENOGORSK PRAVDA

"Truth in Service of the Nation"

Senior Defense Correspondent Svetlana Golikova Reports on Three Battles That Defined the Regiment

ZELENOGORSK — In the frozen villages of the Ivanovka region, the men of the Chernarus 31st Separate Air Assault Regiment lived through every soldier's nightmare—and then they did something remarkable.

They learned.

Zelenogorsk Pravda has obtained the classified after-action report for three consecutive operations conducted in late February and early March: Troitskoye, Ryakovo, and Belorovka. Together, they tell a story of catastrophic failure, rapid adaptation, and ultimately, the rescue of innocent civilians from the hands of an enemy that showed them no mercy.

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PART I: TROITSKOYE — 'THE TANKS COMPLETELY SHOT US UP'

It began as a probe.

Intelligence from local agents, drone overflights, and intercepted communications had revealed that separatist forces were planning to push their front line southward by three to four kilometers. But first, they needed to know exactly where our defenses were positioned. Their chosen instrument was the village of Troitskoye.

"Past experiences at Troitskoye had shown that the enemy wanted to push their vehicles directly into town," the after-action report notes clinically. "But 2nd Battalion is primarily light infantry, so anti-tank weapons are not as effective."

The task force commander knew the risks. His plan was sound: transport helicopters would land 500 meters south of the village, infantry would advance, and six anti-tank teams would establish ambush positions for inbound enemy armor. Two Su-25 ground attack fighters and two Mi-24 gunships would provide support.

The enemy had other plans.

First came the infantry—multiple squads of special forces, including Wagner Group operators and Russian naval infantry. They were "highly motivated and prepared to breach the village's defensive cordon." Our rifle squads fought them back, driving them north with only moderate casualties.

Then came the armor.

"The separatists threw their armor, both wheeled and heavy tracked, into the village. Many of those vehicles were destroyed by infantry anti-tank teams, but three of them our forces were unable to stop."

Those three tanks changed everything.

"The tanks completely shot up our infantry deployment, inflicting catastrophic casualties on our forces."

When the smoke cleared, the task force had suffered approximately 90 percent infantry casualties and 90 percent helicopter losses. Battalion command had failed to make reinforcing infantry available—a decision that would be hotly debated in the aftermath.

"We lost good people and valuable equipment," Regimental Commander Major Vyacheslav Abyshkin would later write. "But the Regiment did not break."

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PART II: RYAKOVO — MINES, LOGISTICS, AND HIT LISTS

The Regiment had less than 24 hours to process what had happened at Troitskoye before the next operation presented itself.

Intelligence staffs had been working through the night, tapping cell phones, debriefing agents, piecing together the enemy's next move. The separatists had taken over the village of Ryakovo. They were establishing a logistical base and reinforcing with armor.

This time, the Regiment would be ready.

Corps-level engineers attached a small unit to the infantry, equipped with anti-vehicle mines. Their instructions: plant mines along as many ingress routes as possible, causing mobility problems for heavy armor and outright kills for light wheeled vehicles.

The tactical plan called for troops to land in a straight line as close as possible within 500 meters, then penetrate the enemy's defensive cordon. All four rifle squads would then occupy north-facing positions and hold.

What happened next was almost lost before it began.

Two of the four transport birds were hit and shot down nearly immediately by enemy heavy tracked armor. The other two were seriously damaged and unable to continue.

But the four rifle squads had landed so close to the village—less than 250 meters for Command Squad—that they survived intact and began their penetration.

Command Squad advanced from the southwest, locating and eliminating two civilian criminal command operatives. In the process, they seized intelligence data that would send chills through the local population: a pair of hit lists targeting civilians.

As the infantry continued clearing the village, the commander marched his squad north. Their objective: enemy logistics. They found two ammunition vehicles and one fuel vehicle. All three were destroyed.

Before withdrawing, the commander moved to the main north-south road west of the area of operations and planted a series of M6 SLAM mines. Then he pulled his forces back into the village, established a defensive cordon, and awaited the counterattack that never came.

Battalion command ordered a withdrawal. The mission was complete.

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PART III: BELOROVKA — 'TORTURED AND KILLED'

The third operation in the series was different from the start.

Intelligence on enemy deployment at Belorovka was light. But local friendly agents sent urgent messages: three, possibly four civilians were being held prisoner in the village by an enemy counterintelligence unit.

At the time, planning staffs did not know who the prisoners were or their importance.

They would learn soon enough.

One of the female prisoners was a village chief from a nearby settlement, arrested earlier that day along with her husband and her sister. A fourth prisoner—another woman—would be discovered by our forces having been tortured and killed.

The task force commander, having learned the brutal lesson of Troitskoye, ordered transport birds to land no closer than 500 meters from the village edge. The terrain around Belorovka enabled forces to penetrate the enemy defensive cordon effectively.

Along the way, the task force encountered several Wagner Group operators. They were cleared away efficiently. The remainder of the force moved into defensible positions within the village as Command Squad continued pushing north.

M6 SLAM mines were deployed. Enemy counterattacks, when they came, were scattered and light.

When the order came from battalion command to withdraw, the task force boarded their birds. There were zero losses among transport helicopters, zero losses among gunships. Infantry casualties were very light.

And the village chief, her husband, and her sister were alive.

The fourth prisoner—the one who had been tortured—was not.

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THE LINE THEY HOLD

Today, our forces hold a thin line ranging from Belorovka to Ryakovo.

"It's not expected to hold in the coming weeks," the after-action report admits with brutal honesty.

But for the moment, it holds. And the civilians of those villages sleep in their own homes, not in separatist basements.

"The two air assault operations following the catastrophic Troitskoye operation were demonstrative of how flexible headquarters command and tactical command staffs are in wide-ranging operations," the report concludes.

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'THIS IS WHAT LEARNING LOOKS LIKE'

In his formal comments appended to the report, Regimental Commander Major Vyacheslav Abyshkin wrote words that deserve to be read by every citizen of Chernarus:

"The Troitskoye operation was a catastrophe. We lost good people and valuable equipment. But the Regiment did not break. Within days, we returned to Ryakovo and Belorovka and accomplished our missions with minimal losses.

"This is what adaptability looks like. This is what learning looks like.

"We have identified the failures at Troitskoye. They will not be repeated."

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WHAT COMES NEXT

The Regiment's after-action report includes a series of recommendations:

• Reinforce the Belorovka-Ryakovo line immediately

• Expand minefields along enemy approaches

• Maintain 500-meter minimum insertion distances when enemy armor is confirmed

• Issue additional disposable anti-tank weapons to light infantry units

For the families of those lost at Troitskoye, the recommendations are cold comfort. For the villagers of Belorovka who now sleep safely, they are everything.

And for the enemy who thought they could push our lines south, who thought they could torture and kill civilians with impunity, the message is clear:

The 31st Separate Air Assault Regiment learned from catastrophe. They adapted. They came back.

And they will come again.

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Contact Svetlana Golikova at s.golikova@zelenogorsk-pravda.chernarus

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Editor's Note: Some operational details have been withheld or altered at the request of Chernarus Coastal Operations Group. The names of certain personnel and rescued civilians have been omitted to protect operational security and individual privacy.