Russia breaks through to Huliaipole, Ukrainian forces confirm
Illustrative photo: fighting continues close to Huliaipole (Getty Images)
In the Zaporizhzhia direction, a gap in positions opened due to an uncoordinated withdrawal of a unit during regrouping. This allowed Russian forces to advance, said a spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
Voloshyn noted that in the Huliaipole direction, a regrouping and reorganization of defensive positions was underway. However, one unit withdrew without coordination, leaving a flank of the formation exposed - this left an adjacent unit, its positions, and personnel unprotected.
"The enemy took advantage of this situation and the difficult weather conditions to enter the flank of the Defense Forces. Clashes occurred, and as a result, several of our servicemen are considered missing," he said.
Photo: DeepState
Voloshyn suggested that the Russians may have executed these personnel who are now listed as missing. If confirmed, Ukraine will take all necessary measures to punish the perpetrators, as war crimes have no statute of limitations.
"Despite everything, Ukraine's Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy and do everything to act honorably for our fallen comrades and our own dignity. It is worth noting that thanks to command decisions made in a timely and correct manner, we are now attempting to regroup forces and assets to effectively organize and strengthen the defense of Huliaipole," he added.
Voloshyn also addressed the situation near the settlement of Zelenyi Hai, which had been reported as occupied. He said that fighting continues on the outskirts of the settlement, and a defensive operation is ongoing.
On November 27, it became known that the Russian soldiers committed another war crime by killing five Ukrainian defenders who had been captured. The prisoners were executed on the morning of November 27 in the Huliaipole direction.
The first report came from the Deep State resource, which indicated the location west of Zelenyi Hai, a settlement in the Zaporizhzhia region. This led to claims that Russian forces had already occupied the village.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on November 27 that Russian forces are intensifying combat operations in the Huliaipole direction, using thousands of drones daily against Ukrainian troops and conducting dozens of assaults. However, the General Staff did not confirm the loss of Zelenyi Hai.
