Russia 'testing' new direction for assaults in Zaporizhzhia region: Details from Ukraine's Forces
Illustrative photo: Russia wants to increase pressure on another front (Getty Images)
Russian troops are trying to open another front for an offensive in the Zaporizhzhia region. They have focused their attention on the area around the village of Stepove, states a spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, the Russian army tried to advance toward Ukrainian positions located west of Stepove, along the road leading from Zherebianky and Piatykhatky, from the south.
Photo: Stepove, Piatykhatky, and Zherebianky on the map (screenshot)
"Russians have been carrying out one assault per day in this direction for several days now. Mostly, this is a reconnaissance in force," Voloshyn says.
In addition, a few days ago, Russian aviation targeted Ukrainian troops in Stepove.
"Their tactic is to practically destroy the position completely, so that no fortifications or cover remain. After that, they try to seize the position," Voloshyn explains.
According to him, the Russian troops used light vehicles to reach Ukrainian positions.
"They tried to use light vehicles to quickly get onto our positions because this equipment is maneuverable and meant for fast movement across such terrain," Voloshyn notes.
The spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces said that the closest objective for the Russian forces in this section of the front is movement in the direction of Stepove–Lukianivske, to the north. These settlements are currently under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Russia’s plans for the Zaporizhzhia region
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine sources reported that Russian forces' plan to increase pressure in the Zaporizhzhia region on three fronts simultaneously.
The enemy’s goal is to "straighten" the front along the line Stepnohirsk–Orikhiv–Huliaipole.
