Russian forces failed to meet their September objectives to capture designated settlements in the Huliaipole and Orikhiv sectors, but reports of alleged successes have resulted in even more ambitious objectives being set for October.
Anastasiia Shevchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Group of Forces, reported this.
“Russian forces do indeed have ambitious plans for October in the Huliaipole and Orikhiv sectors, but in fact they failed to accomplish the tasks set for September,” the spokesperson said.
According to her, some Russian units are reporting to Russia’s senior military leadership that they have captured settlements and advanced, although this has not actually occurred. As a result, the Russian command has set even more ambitious objectives for October.
“In particular, for example, Russian airborne units have been tasked with reaching the barrier line along the Kinska River by the end of the month. At the same time, the objective of capturing designated settlements, which was set for September, has not been achieved,” Shevchenko said.
She added that the Huliaipole sector is currently the most intense, with Ukraine’s Defence Forces facing one of the largest concentrations of Russian troops, comprising forces from several Russian combined arms armies. At the same time, Russian forces have abandoned attempts to advance along a broad front and are instead using infiltration tactics.
“In addition, Russian forces periodically attempt assaults with small groups supported by motorcycles and quad bikes. They have not been successful,” the spokesperson said.
Shevchenko said Russian forces also continue offensive operations in the Orikhiv sector, although no significant advances towards their designated lines have been recorded so far.
“It should be noted that Russian forces have not abandoned their intention to capture Orikhiv and Zaporizhzhia, but at present they do not have sufficient forces and resources to advance directly towards the regional capital,” she said.
The spokesperson said Russian forces were likely to continue offensive operations and attempt to reach their designated line by the end of October. At the same time, she said the failure to accomplish some of the objectives planned for September demonstrated that Ukraine’s Defence Forces, including the Southern Group of Forces, were effectively containing Russian troops.
“In the operational zone of the Southern Group of Forces, Russian forces continue to suffer significant personnel losses. In September, units of the Southern Group of Forces eliminated more than 4,900 Russian servicemen and destroyed 2,070 pieces of weapons and military equipment,” Shevchenko said.
She concluded that the overall operational situation in the Southern Group of Forces’ area of operations remains largely unchanged.
