09 Jun: Russians in shock. Foreign Fighters Launch Counterattacks in Chasiv Yar - Reporting from Ukraine

Day 837: Jun 09

Today, there are a lot of updates from the Bakhmut direction.

The most interesting updates come from the area of Chasiv Yar. Here, Ukrainians repelled a series of Russian assaults thanks to the prior efforts of special operations forces like the Kraken Regiment. Following this, they immediately utilized fighters from the International Legion resulting in a series of successful counterattacks.

The International Legion comprises former soldiers from Western countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as many volunteers from other NATO armies. Many of these fighters bring extensive combat experience from various global conflicts, blending advanced combat skills and tactical knowledge. This expertise is invaluable in dynamic frontline areas like Chasiv Yar. The diverse array of skills and experiences makes the International Legion one of the most effective units in the Ukrainian army.

Furthermore, foreign fighters bring extensive knowledge of specialized skills such as close-quarters combat, reconnaissance, sabotage, covert missions, and special operations. These unique capabilities complement the existing strengths of Ukrainian forces, providing them with a significant advantage over the Russians. Additionally, foreign fighters have access to advanced equipment and supplies, including aid from the US, which they can utilize effectively thanks to their expertise and training. Meanwhile, Russian units in the area are at a disadvantage against these highly skilled and well-equipped foreign fighters.

Most Russian detachments in this area consist of poorly trained mobilized personnel or convicts. These troops lack previous combat experience and are generally unfamiliar with their combat tasks. Low-quality units, such as the Storm-Z detachments, are used to wear down Ukrainian defenses ahead of assaults by regular airborne units.

In one such video, a Russian soldier is seen striking his rifle with an axe while a loaded magazine is attached. The soldier is completely unaware of how to aim properly and ends up damaging the rifle, rendering it incapable of accurate shooting. This incident highlights the severe lack of training and situational awareness among Russian stormtroopers. If you want to access the original combat footage, you can find it on our Telegram channel by using the link in the description.

In recently published combat footage shared by fighters of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, operations on the northern outskirts of the town's Kanal district are depicted. The video shows a small squad of four foreign fighters disembarking from an armored vehicle, fully equipped, and advancing to assault their target.

Afterward, they find cover near the rubble of surrounding buildings and locate a hideout with entrenched Russian soldiers in one of the houses on the outskirts. One of the fighters uses an AT-Four rocket launcher to fire at the house, immediately following up with dense small-arms fire to suppress the Russian forces. Meanwhile, the other fighters carefully advance toward the house. Upon reaching it, they further suppress the Russians on the upper floor with small-arms fire before ensuring their elimination with hand grenades.

After securing the house, the foreign fighters move forward, coordinating with each other to conduct the operation carefully. They discover another Russian firing position, which they neutralize with hand grenades. At the end of the operation, only one Russian soldier fires back at them from the last house they cleared, but he is swiftly eliminated with hand grenades and small-arms fire. Ultimately, the foreign fighters successfully cleared and secured positions on the northern outskirts of Chasiv Yar.

The Foreign Legion's key advantage lies in their proficiency in communication and coordination at the small unit level. NATO armies prioritize the autonomy of small units, a principle that former troops, now foreign fighters, are accustomed to. Consequently, they seamlessly apply their warfare tactics to their assaults.

On the contrary, Russian units frequently suffer from coordination deficiencies, resulting in significant failures. In a notable incident captured on video, a Russian armored transport, the MT-LB...