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Ukrainian Forces Reportedly Capture Russian Commander Amidst Intensified Eastern Front Clashes
Eastern Ukraine has become the epicenter of fierce fighting as Ukrainian armed forces claim to have detained a Russian commander and inflicted substantial losses on Moscow’s troops. Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements involving US officials in Saudi Arabia, Russia has notably escalated its offensive operations against Ukrainian positions throughout March.
Surge in Russian Assaults
According to assessments from the Deep State, an open-source intelligence collective, the intensity of Russian attacks has increased significantly. Data indicates a 17% rise in assaults during March compared to the entirety of February. Recent days have witnessed a peak in daily attacks, exceeding 200, marking the highest levels since early 2025. The Kupyansk, Limansk, Pokrovsk, and Kursk fronts are among the areas experiencing the most severe combat.
Azov Brigade Announces Capture Near Toretsk
Ukraine’s 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade announced the capture of a Russian commander and 19 of his soldiers following intense combat near Toretsk in the Donetsk region.
In a message posted on their Telegram channel, the brigade stated that the captured soldiers were fortunate to survive the engagement.
The post further indicated that the majority of their fellow combatants were left dead in the surrounding battle areas, emphasizing the unsuccessful nature of the Russian assaults. The brigade also disseminated a video on social media platforms purportedly showing the captured Russian soldiers.
Captured Officer Identified
The captured Russian officer identified himself as Commander Alexey Vadimovich Anikeev.
He stated his date of birth as March 4, 1998, and his hometown as Irkutsk, a city in Siberia.
In a statement, he declared, “We, the servicemen of the Russian Federation, are being held captive by the Ukrainian Army.”
He further expressed a desire to be exchanged for members of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Heavy Russian Casualties in Repelled Attack
This capture coincides with reports of Ukrainian forces successfully repelling a major Russian offensive in another sector of the Donetsk region, resulting in considerable enemy losses.
During this particular assault, Russian forces reportedly suffered 59 casualties, including 26 fatalities. Additionally, Ukrainian defenses are said to have destroyed five armored vehicles and 71 unmanned aerial vehicles.
Donetsk Region Remains Key Objective
For several months, Russia has maintained a strategic focus on seizing the remaining portions of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. Cities such as Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Toretsk, and Chasiv Yar have become key targets in this ongoing campaign.
Pokrovsk has emerged as the primary focus of Russia’s ground operations, with Kurakhove appearing to be the secondary major objective in the region.