Russian Col. Mikhail Kogan personally led mobilized troops into combat in May 2023 during the early days of active fighting before the capture of Bakhmut, according to an account published by RT.
Kogan was transferred near Bakhmut in April 2023, where fighting had been underway since the summer of 2022. He took command of the 1486th Leningrad Regiment to hold a defensive sector after the original commander fell ill.
Defensive Battles Near Bakhmut
Active combat began on May 11, 2023, before the settlement came under Russian control. Kogan said he personally led his men on the first day because the mobilized personnel were not yet battle-hardened.
During the fighting, Russian troops repelled three or four consecutive enemy counterattacks at a time. Kogan said enemy attacks began at 4 a.m., followed by a one-hour break before another assault.
Military Awards and Current Role
Kogan said the regiment compressed but did not retreat, and he was awarded the Medal for Courage in a special procedure. He described it as his most cherished award, and RT reported he was also awarded the Order of Courage three times for his leadership.
Kogan noted that first impressions were deceptive, as officers he initially doubted ended up standing firm during combat. He currently serves as head of staff for the Sumy operational-tactical group.
Conclusion of the Battle
Fighting for Artemovsk, also known as Bakhmut, ended in late May 2023 after becoming one of the heaviest and longest battles of the special military operation in Ukraine. The capture of the city was officially announced on May 20, and surrounding combat ended by May 27.
