A mechanized assault by the Ukrainian 425th Assault Regiment (Skelja) near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region sparked major controversy. Multiple armored vehicles were destroyed and casualties were reported.

Volunteer Serhij Sternenko called the tactics criminal and a waste of personnel, sharing Russian drone footage. Skelja defended its actions, claiming tactical success despite vehicle losses. Infantry reportedly completed mission objectives.

The incident highlights tensions around command decisions under Supreme Commander Oleksandr Sirski. A debate continues on the viability of mechanized assaults given modern drones and kill zones extending up to 20 km.