Espreso spoke with Nazar Voitenkov, the press officer of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. The brigade was recently redeployed from the Novopavlivka direction to the Dobropillia direction to reinforce adjacent units."We are having success in this—we have not abandoned our designated areas, have not retreated, and continue to hold them despite enemy pressure," noted Voitenkov.According to him, since the beginning of October, Russian forces have twice attempted to break through the defenses of the Ukrainian forces—on October 9 and 13—but both assaults were repelled jointly with adjacent units.Unlike the Novopavlivka direction, where the brigade previously operated, the Russian army is now less prepared. The assault groups often include mobilized individuals from the so-called "DPR" and "LPR." Despite attempts to deploy manpower on armored vehicles, Ukrainian defenders have created an effective engagement zone."At the start of our defense, it was known that the enemy here was less prepared than on the Novopavlivka front. In particular, they are using many fighters against us from the so-called DPR/LPR. They were deployed several times on armored vehicles, including MT-LBs with troops. But we successfully destroyed them—we established a medium-range engagement zone on the approaches to our positions, where the enemy disappears in the fire of artillery, bombers, and FPV drones," the press officer explained. He emphasized that Russian infantry groups try to operate in small units—from two to ten people—to be less visible to Ukrainian weapons. They often try to bypass the first line of defense and reach the positions of mortar crews or drone operators."Our task is to detect and destroy them on the approaches. We are currently succeeding in this," said Voitenkov.According to the brigade itself, on October 9, the Russian troops made a powerful assault attempt in the Volodymyrivka area. They tried to break through Ukrainian positions with armored vehicles, even using motorcycles. However, Ukrainian artillerymen, FPV drone operators, and crews of mechanized battalions met them on the approaches."Despite the infantry dismounting, their lives were quickly cut short in the basements of houses or in the yards of homes in the once-peaceful village. Heavy bombers and FPV drones did not give the uninvited Russians a moment to breathe," the brigade's statement said.As a result of the battle, 47 Russian soldiers were killed, and another 34 were wounded. A significant amount of equipment was also lost: one armored combat vehicle, seven motorcycles, one BTR-82, and one BMP-3. A tank, another BMP-3, and two MT-LBs were also damaged."Whether Volodymyrivka is a strategic target for them, I cannot say, because in general, it is just another settlement in the path of the occupiers' plans. But we stand in their way, and no matter the weather, the servicemen of the 33rd Brigade continue their defense," noted Voitenkov.