Is there threat of large-scale Russian offensive in southern Ukraine: What Ukraine's Forces say
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian soldiers (Getty Images)
Russian forces are attempting to attack along the entire frontline in southern Ukraine. However, no buildup of enemy forces sufficient for large-scale offensive operations has been observed, according to a spokesperson of the Tavria operational group of troops, Vladyslav Voloshyn.
"The situation along the entire southern front is quite difficult, although there are not as many combat engagements as in some other areas. However, we are constantly under fire, the enemy continuously launches rockets and airstrikes, as well as drone attacks, and counter-battery warfare is ongoing," said Voloshyn.
He noted that one of the hottest areas along the frontline is the section from Pryiutne to Velyka Novosilka, as well as near Orikhiv and Huliaipole.
"I would also like to highlight the Kherson direction. In the mouth of the Dnipro River, the enemy is trying to take control of the islands and constantly shelling and striking Kherson and the coastal settlements," he added.
Voloshyn also mentioned that the situation remains tense along the Dnipro River coast in the Dnipropetrovsk region, near Nikopol and Marganets.
"The enemy has conducted offensive actions and tried to take control of Vuhledar. After some successes in this direction, the enemy is now regrouping and will carry out assault operations in other areas. In particular, they have started in the Pryiutne - Velyka Novosilka direction," Voloshyn said.
He also pointed out that the enemy is moving assault groups to the front lines and preparing for offensive actions near Robotyne.
"They are also redeploying personnel to their forward positions in the mouth of the Dnipro River, in the Kherson direction. There is information that they will likely begin intensifying their assault operations there as well," the spokesperson speculated.
Voloshyn emphasized that there is currently no significant increase in enemy forces in the south through the use of reserves, but rather the formation of assault units from the existing personnel of enemy formations already deployed in the region.
"These assault units are being formed from the groups that are operating in this direction. Each of these groups has its own assault teams. The personnel of these assault teams are being moved to the front lines to begin small group infantry assaults. There is no talk of large-scale offensive formations being created," he explained.
Frontline situation
According to the General Staff, the situation along the entire frontline remains complex. Since the beginning of the day, 96 combat engagements have already occurred, with the most intense fighting recorded in the Kurakhove direction.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces also reported that Russian troops are not preparing for winter along the front. Instead, the occupiers are trying to achieve their objectives before the frost sets in.
