Russian Defense Chief Says Troops Captured Dibrova in Donetsk

Overview

• Russia's Defense Ministry said Andrey Belousov congratulated the 164th and 169th separate motorized rifle brigades for the reported liberation of Dibrova in the Donetsk People's Republic.
• RIA Novosti relayed the ministry's Dec. 29 statement, attributing the details to the Defense Ministry press service without providing independent corroboration.
• The congratulatory telegram praised the units for bravery, described operations as fulfilling difficult combat tasks, and cast the fighting as defending Donbas.
• A day earlier, the ministry announced Belousov had congratulated the 9th Separate Guards brigade for what it called the liberation of Rodinskoye in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
• The messaging used familiar official rhetoric, including references to destroying 'neo-Nazis' and assurances that servicemen will continue to protect Russia's national interests and security.