Operation "Oczeret": Defector's daring attack disrupts Russian unit

Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) recently presented details of a daring operation codenamed "Oczeret" (which means "Reed") that took place in May 2024. The operation was successful thanks to the actions of one of the Russian soldiers, who defected to Ukraine after attacking his unit's headquarters.

Storm Z is a special unit of the Russian Ministry of Defence largely consisting of pardoned criminals. These punitive units are often used for the most challenging and dangerous missions, which results in low morale and discipline.

It was these conditions that led to the dramatic decision by "Silver," who decided to end his involvement with the Russian armed forces through a daring attack on his own headquarters.

This operation was made possible thanks to "Silver's" collaboration with the "Freedom of Russia" Legion – a Russian volunteer unit operating within the Ukrainian armed forces. This legion consists of Russian soldiers who decided to fight against the Kremlin regime, supporting Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence.

"Silver" made contact with the Legion in the winter, expressing his readiness to cooperate after witnessing numerous crimes and war atrocities committed by his fellow soldiers.

According to HUR's account, "Silver" decided to carry out an attack in the basement of the building where the Storm Z battalion headquarters was located. Using a ventilation duct, he threw grenades, which exploded in the room where the commander and other officers slept. As a result of the explosion, about 15 people died.

It was coming out next to the entrance, and we came up with the idea of throwing a grenade or two into the pipe so it would explode with them – said "Silver"

Afterwards, "Silver" immediately escaped using a pre-planned route to Ukrainian-controlled territories.

Thanks to "Silver's" cooperation with Ukrainian intelligence services, Ukraine also obtained valuable information about Russian military operations. This demonstrates how important it is to understand the motivations of enemy soldiers and to use their discontent to achieve strategic goals.

Operation "Oczeret" is further proof that the Ukrainian armed forces are capable of effectively exploiting the Russian army's internal problems while simultaneously increasing their capability to defend and counterattack. It is known that "Silver" will continue to fight in the "Freedom of Russia" Legion, which highlights the determination and will to fight those who choose to side with freedom and justice, even if it means betraying their own country.

The Ukrainian project "I Want to Live" is an initiative created by the Ukrainian armed forces aimed at providing Russian soldiers with a safe way to surrender or defect to Ukraine. This project aims to encourage Russian soldiers, who for various reasons do not wish to continue fighting in the ranks of the Russian army, to take advantage of the help offered, allowing them to avoid further participation in the war.

This initiative functions by providing detailed instructions and information on how soldiers can safely desert or surrender to Ukrainian forces. As part of the "I Want to Live" project, Russian soldiers have access to means of communication through which they can contact the appropriate Ukrainian services, receiving support in organising their defection and ensuring their safety.