Ukraine’s 79th Separate Tavrian Air Assault Brigade reported that Russian forces attempted to seize Ukrainian positions near Novomykhailivka by advancing on motorcycles but the attack was quickly repelled. 

The failed attempt was recorded through a Russian soldier’s personal camera.

“Action from the Donetsk direction, the return of our ‘beloved biker club.’ The hunt for medics is being carried out with all kinds of weapons,” read the post of Exilenova+ Telegram channel, which published the video,

According to reports, Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance detected the Russian assault group because they were riding “noisy, underpowered bikes” without reconnaissance. 

Full video with subtitles showing the destruction of a Russian motorcycle unit. According to reports, they were sent in on noisy, underpowered bikes without reconnaissance or suppressing Ukrainian positions two kilometers away. As soon as the Ukrainians spotted them, they opened… pic.twitter.com/gotZ8pKyO7

— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) February 18, 2025

Ukrainian artillery units opened precise fire, effectively disorganizing the attackers and preventing them from breaching Ukrainian defenses. 

Subsequent drone strikes further neutralized the remaining enemy combatants and their equipment. The brigade confirmed the destruction of eight motorcycles and one infantry fighting vehicle during the encounter. 

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have employed motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles for various purposes throughout the conflict, including logistics and medical evacuations.