Lured into fire trap: DIU released footage of elimination of ’elite’ saboteurs during mop-up operation in Stepnohirsk. VIDEO
In late May 2026, the Russian occupying army deployed ‘VDV’ reconnaissance units – considered elite within the enemy forces – to storm the village of Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
This was reported by Censor.NET, citing the press centre of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence.
The enemy’s intentions
As noted, the invaders’ aim was to create a propaganda narrative about the alleged occupation of the settlement, with a subsequent report to the higher-ranking ‘leaders’ of the aggressor state.
Details
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate (DIU), under cover of night, rainy weather and anti-thermal-imaging cloaks, an enemy group managed to infiltrate Stepnohirsk. However, the assault troops of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence’s DIU special unit "Artan" were prepared for such a turn of events: they allowed the enemy to get closer and lured them into a trap.
The Russians were offered the chance to surrender
Before engaging in combat, the DIU special forces offered the Russians the chance to surrender. However, instead of sparing their lives, the enemy opened fire.
The result is captured in exclusive footage from the epicentre of the battle: the designated area of Stepnohirsk has been cleared of ‘elite’ saboteurs, and the flags with which they had planned to be photographed have become trophies of Ukraine’s military intelligence. The ‘Artan’ fighters carried out their mission to eliminate the enemy without suffering any casualties.
The enemy attempted to operate according to the classic doctrine of special operations forces: they exploited difficult weather conditions and electronic countermeasures to infiltrate the urban area covertly. However, the action plan we had devised and our proactive intelligence negated the element of surprise," explained "Artan" commander Viktor Torkotiuk.
He also said that a group of Russian occupiers had effectively been lured into a pre-prepared ‘fire trap’
"We offered them the chance to surrender, but the enemy chose a different path. The so-called ‘elite’ of the Russian Federation’s army proved unprepared to face the DIU’s systematic defence. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our fighters, and the coordinated interaction with neighbouring units of the Department of Active Operations of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Defence Forces, our defences in the sector of responsibility remain unbreached," emphasised the commander of "Artan".
What led up to this?
On 18 May, it was reported that Stepnohirsk was under control: the Main Intelligence Directorate’s special unit ‘Artan’ had driven the occupiers out of the town.
