Part 5/8:

Although the 36th Brigade initially gained ground, they soon found themselves isolated and vulnerable, suffering significant loss due to poor logistical arrangements and enhanced Russian countermeasures.

Challenges and Setbacks

Amid early successes, reality became grim swiftly. As Ukrainian Marines advanced, they faced critical shortages of supplies in inhospitable terrain characterized by marshes and craters. A commander lamented, “We knew it was a one-way street with nowhere to hide.”

The Russian response grew increasingly pronounced, with sophisticated weaponry targeting Ukrainian positions. The meaningful loss of personnel highlighted the operation's daunting nature, whereby solid gains in combat operations transitioned into strategic vulnerabilities under sustained enemy fire.