In the Zaporizhzhia region, particularly along the Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole directions, Russian forces intensified assault operations and shelling. To preserve the lives of personnel, Ukrainian Defense Forces were forced to withdraw from positions near five settlements, the Southern Defense Forces press service reported on Facebook.
“In Zaporizhzhia, especially along the Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole directions, intense fighting has been ongoing for several days. Russian forces are using all available weapons to push the Armed Forces of Ukraine from held positions. Over the past few days, up to a hundred combat clashes have been recorded here. Due to the intensification of enemy assault actions, numerous infiltration attempts, increased massive fire on our positions (over 400 artillery strikes daily using about 2,000 rounds), and the effective destruction of all shelters and fortifications, the Defense Forces had to withdraw from positions near the settlements of Novouspenivske, Nove, Okhotnyche, Uspenivka, and Novomykolaivka,” the statement reads.
The report notes that Russian forces are attempting to establish their footholds in these settlements, but Ukrainian defenders are actively countering these attempts. Fierce fighting continues around Yablukove, Rivnopillia, and Solodke.
According to the press service, the Russian troops from the eastern direction is trying to encircle Huliaipole and cut off logistic routes from Pokrovsk. Fighting is ongoing.
“Assault and other units are fiercely fighting for every inch of our land,” the Southern Defense Forces emphasized.
