Russia plans to launch offensive on three fronts in south – Ukrainian military

Increased shelling

Voloshyn noted that Russian forces had attempted to give the impression of observing an Easter ceasefire. However, immediately after it ended, the Russian army intensified artillery shelling and kamikaze drone strikes. There has also been an increase in the use of aerial bombs.

In the past day alone, the enemy deployed 18 guided aerial bombs and 99 unguided air-to-surface missiles in the south. Russian forces targeted settlements near the frontline of combat. Notably, Huliaipole was among the areas struck.

Russian assaults

The spokesperson also emphasized that in the Novopavlivka direction in Donetsk region, Russia conducted 17 assaults over the past day.

Meanwhile, in the Orikhiv direction, where the enemy attempted a large-scale assault last week, the number of assaults has decreased to about 5-7 enemy attack attempts per day.

The most intense combat zones remain the Orikhiv and Novopavlivka directions. There is also ongoing tension around Huliaipole and Malynivka, where enemy shelling is constant.

"According to our intelligence, the enemy has amassed a certain number of forces and resources in these three directions (Orikhiv, Novopavlivka, and Huliaipole) to intensify their assault actions there soon. They have gathered both assault troops and a significant amount of equipment, including armored fighting vehicles, a large number of motorcycles, and light motorized equipment," Voloshyn said.

He added that the Russians are using motorcycles, buggies, and quad bikes to reach Ukrainian trenches, fortifications, and defense lines quickly. These types of vehicles are harder to hit than infantry soldiers.

"Every day, in our area of responsibility, we destroy about two dozen such motorcycles, up to ten buggies, and various quad bikes," the spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces clarified.

Russian losses

According to him, the Russian forces are losing about 100 soldiers daily in the south. Specifically, Ukrainian forces eliminated 91 soldiers yesterday, and 113 personnel on April 21.

During the Christmas ceasefire, Russia conducted reconnaissance of Ukrainian positions and evacuated the dead and wounded from the battlefield.

"We observed the enemy raising white flags with red crosses and evacuating their losses not only on land but also by boats when they attempted to transport their personnel or deliver supplies and ammunition from the islands," Voloshyn said.

Voloshyn previously stated that the Russian army is amassing assault groups on the left bank of the Kherson region to seize a foothold in the island zone.