Senior rifleman Corporal Alexander Ilyin single-handedly repelled two counterattacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing Russia's Ministry of Defense. Ilyin was defending previously occupied positions along a tactical direction in the special military operation zone when the fighting occurred.
According to the defense ministry, two enemy groups of two soldiers each attempted to attack the Russian positions early in the morning. The Ukrainian troops tried to approach secretly from different directions.
Ilyin quickly assessed the situation and opened aimed fire first. His actions stopped the movement of one unit and forced it to take cover.
Defense under artillery fire
Under enemy artillery fire, the corporal continuously shifted his firing positions to prevent the opposing groups from spotting him. Despite receiving a shrapnel wound, Ilyin adjusted targeted strikes by Russian FPV drones.
The defense ministry commended the soldier's courage and selflessness, stating that his experience allowed him to hold the position until reinforcements arrived.
Earlier reports indicated that Russian soldiers shielded surrendered Ukrainian troops from Ukrainian drones in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions.
