Russian forces fleeing en masse in Zaporizhzhia sector — guerilla reports

According to Atesh agents, the desertions are driven by cruel and reckless command that repeatedly sends soldiers under attack by Ukrainian drones. Photos from the troops show abandoned positions and unguarded ammunition boxes. Atesh says such incidents are frequent and systemic, and all collected data, including exact coordinates, has been handed to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Many fleeing soldiers are trying to hide in the rear, in occupied Berdiansk, to avoid their commanders. Only a few remain on the front line, which the guerrillas say greatly weakens the overall defense of the sector.

Russian soldiers flee from their positions in the Zaporizhzhia sector, photo: https://t.me/atesh_ua

• As of the evening of August 18, the Russian army had advanced in three settlements in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions.