Ukrainian Special Forces reclaim Andriivka-Klevtsove; 30 Russian troops surrender

What happened

New Voice Ukraine reports that Ukraine's 3rd Special Operations Forces Regiment, in coordination with a Special Operations psychological operations center, has liberated the settlement of Andriivka-Klevtsove (formerly Iskra) on the Oleksandrivka front as of August 17. The operation resulted in 30 Russian service members surrendering, while others who resisted were killed according to the source.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Russian forces had attempted to gradually infiltrate and establish positions in Andriivka-Klevtsove in small groups before Ukrainian special forces launched their ground operation. The settlement is now reported to be fully back under Ukrainian control following the operation.

Following the liberation, Ukrainian forces conducted a traditional ceremony known as “Driving Out the Snakes,” a ritual from Ukraine’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage meant to symbolically cleanse the area of harm and hostile presence.

Known from the source

• Ukrainian 3rd Special Operations Forces Regiment liberated Andriivka-Klevtsove on August 17.
• 30 Russian troops surrendered during the operation; combatants who resisted were killed.
• Andriivka-Klevtsove had seen prior infiltration attempts by Russian forces.
• Ukrainian forces performed the 'Driving Out the Snakes' cultural ritual after liberation.
• Ukrainian Air Assault Forces reported liberating 745 sq km and 26 settlements in the Oleksandrivka sector between January and August.

What remains unclear

This action builds on earlier Ukrainian gains on the Oleksandrivka sector, where official Ukrainian sources reported liberating 745 square kilometers and 26 settlements between January 29 and August 12, indicating a sustained offensive against Russian positions in Donetsk Oblast.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of the number and status of surrendered and killed Russian troops. Confirmation that Andriivka-Klevtsove is fully under Ukrainian control and no ongoing resistance remains. Verification of Ukrainian claims regarding previous Russian infiltration tactics in the settlement.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.