Defense forces retreated from five villages in Zaporizhzhia: Russians seek to surround Hulyaipole

Crisis on the southern front: Ukrainian forces retreat from multiple villages amid an intensifying Russian offensive.

This was reported by the Defense Forces “Southern”.

The enemy has become significantly more active in the Hulyaipole and Oleksandrivka directions, where intense fighting is ongoing. Over the past few days, up to 100 clashes have been recorded in these areas.

To dislodge Ukrainian defenders from their positions, Russian occupiers are using all available weapons, launching more than 400 artillery strikes daily with approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

Due to the intensification of enemy assaults, numerous infiltration attempts, and massive fire impact on Defense Forces positions—combined with the destruction of shelters and fortifications—Ukrainian troops withdrew from positions near Novouspenivske, Novy, Okhotnychy, Uspenivka, and Novomykolaivka. This decision was made to preserve the lives of personnel.

Currently, Russian forces are attempting to enter these settlements to consolidate their positions, but Ukrainian units are actively resisting. Fierce fighting also continues for the settlements of Yablukove, Rivnopillya, and Solodke.

Through these operations, the enemy aims to cut off logistics from Pokrovsk to Hulyaipole and capture the city.

“The fighting continues. Assault and other units are fighting fiercely for every centimeter of our land,” the Southern Defense Forces emphasized.

Recall that the Russian occupation forces have significantly expanded the “gray zone” on the front in the Zaporizhia region, which may threaten Hulyaipole.

As is known, analysts reported that the Russian army captured Novomykolaivka in Zaporizhzhia Region, and also advanced in several directions in the two regions.

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