Nine Russian attempts to cross river in Donbas thwarted by Ukrainian paratroopers

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"When the enemy tried to construct a pontoon crossing and conduct a forced crossing of the river on the eastern axis, the artillery of 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade once again dealt a heavy blow to the enemy, destroying pontoons and thwarting nine attempts to cross," the statement reads.

Reportedly, the paratroopers destroyed at least 73 units of equipment, including:

● T-72 tanks;

● infantry fighting vehicle;

● airborne combat vehicle;

● armored personnel carriers;

● trucks;

● other special equipment.

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"By ruining the enemy's plan to cross the river for a further offensive, the paratroopers destroyed an entire battalion-tactical group of invaders," the press center added.

Russia is attempting to ford the Siverskyi Donets river in order to push their assault further into Ukrainian territory in Donbas.

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