Ukrainian special forces conducted a high-risk operation behind Russian lines, successfully clearing an industrial facility and eliminating 23 Russian soldiers, Ukraine’s military reported on February 17. 

The 3rd Separate Special Forces Regiment recently released footage of the mission, which took place in an undisclosed location.

🫡 Ukrainian special operators went behind enemy lines, eliminated 23 Russians over 2 days while holding an industrial building, and safely evacuated without suffering any casualties. pic.twitter.com/GyQxhp7AW9

— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) February 17, 2025

According to a statement from the unit, aerial reconnaissance had identified a concentration of Russian troops inside the facility. A tactical team was then deployed to infiltrate and neutralize the threat. 

Ukrainian soldiers reportedly held their positions for two days, engaging in intense combat before withdrawing without casualties. 

The raid is part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to weaken Russian defenses and disrupt enemy operations. 

Last month, Ukraine’s 8th Special Forces Regiment released footage of an engagement in Russia’s Kursk region, where it reportedly clashed with a group of North Korean fighters assisting Russian forces. That battle, according to Ukrainian officials, ended with the destruction of the enemy unit.

The operation comes as Ukraine continues to sustain heavy losses in the nearly two-year-long conflict. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Nearly 380,000 have been wounded, while tens of thousands remain missing or in Russian captivity.

Ukraine’s General Staff estimates that Russia has suffered approximately 859,920 casualties over the course of the war.