Special units of Ukraine’s military intelligence carried out a months-long operation in the Sumy direction, inflicting heavy losses on the Russian National Guard’s “Akhmat” unit. They killed dozens of fighters and destroyed a significant amount of equipment.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported this.
Operation details
The operation ran from February to April 2026. It involved the DIU special unit “Shamanbat,” which includes Ichkerian volunteers, as well as the 104th Territorial Defence Brigade “Horyn” working with an intelligence agent unit.
An agent played a key role – a former “Akhmat” fighter whom Ukrainian intelligence contacted in early 2025. After moving to Ukrainian-controlled territory, he helped organize intelligence gathering. He installed a listening device at a command meeting site. Operators delivered the device across the front line using an FPV drone.
The intelligence enabled Ukrainian forces to strike concentration areas and movement routes with precision. As a result, “Akhmat” suffered some of its heaviest losses since the start of the full-scale war: Ukrainian forces killed 41 fighters, wounded 87, and listed more than 100 as missing.
Ukrainian forces also destroyed or damaged more than 160 pieces of equipment. They destroyed over 25 drones, communication systems, electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems, engineering equipment, and weapons and fuel depots.
“Shamanbat” commander Abdul Hakim called on Chechens not to fight against Ukraine and, if possible, to switch sides or surrender to save their lives.
Context
Ukrainian intelligence systematically uses agent networks and modern technology for operations behind enemy lines. These efforts aim not only to destroy enemy forces but also to demoralize units, particularly those formed from mercenaries.
The “Akhmat” unit, controlled by Chechen leadership, actively takes part in Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, Ukrainian intelligence reports growing losses and declining morale and trust within the unit.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukrainian intelligence disrupted an assassination attempt on Russian Volunteer Corps leader Denis Kapustin and outmaneuvered Russian operatives.
