Russia claims capture of command post in Huliaipole, Ukraine responds
Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
A video is circulating online in which Russian army soldiers claim the alleged capture of a territorial defense command and observation post near Huliaipole. The Defense Forces will investigate the matter, Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn said.
What preceded this
On the evening of December 25, several Telegram channels shared a video likely filmed at the headquarters of a Ukrainian unit in central Huliaipole. In footage released, Russian soldiers claim to have captured the command and observation post of the 1st Battalion of the 106th Territorial Defense Brigade.
The video shows abandoned computers, communication equipment, maps, and an unlocked phone.
The author of the recording shows the battalion commander's office and the observation post, calling it a "tour of the headquarters" and suggesting that the equipment may contain important information that Russia plans to use.
Defense Forces statement
According to Voloshyn, an investigation into the appearance of this video is currently underway.
He noted that the relevant law enforcement agencies must determine whether the video is authentic, whether the situation actually occurred, and the causes and circumstances behind it. After the investigation is completed, official information will be provided.
"And believe me, no one will hide anything or cover anything up — everything will be established," the spokesperson said.
Commenting on the operational situation, Voloshyn emphasized that conditions in Huliaipole itself remain difficult. The enemy continues assault operations and is trying to push the Defense Forces out of the city.
Fighting continues on the streets, with two to three dozen combat engagements recorded daily directly within the settlement.
According to him, Russian forces are attempting to infiltrate and entrench small groups in the city, but Ukraine's Defense Forces are blocking their advance and inflicting fire damage.
In addition, the enemy is actively attacking settlements along the logistics route from Pokrovsk in the Dnipropetrovsk region to Huliaipole, attempting to cut off supplies. Fighting is ongoing, particularly in the areas of Dobropillia, Pryluky, and Varvarivka.
"The enemy is trying to cut this logistics route to isolate the defenders of Huliaipole from supplies. The situation is quite difficult, and we are not hiding this," the Defense Forces representative said.
Russia is also carrying out air strikes using guided aerial bombs against Huliaipole and nearby settlements. Over the past day, more than two dozen combat engagements have been recorded in the area of the city.
Situation in the Huliaipole area
According to ISW analysts, Russian forces have identified the Huliaipole direction in the Zaporizhzhia region as a priority and have concentrated troops from at least three armies and one division there.
Recently, Russian media spread false information claiming control over the settlement of Dobropillia near Huliaipole.
Ukraine's General Staff denied these claims, emphasizing that the settlements remain under the control of Ukrainian defense forces.
Russian forces are trying to break through to the center of Huliaipole, while forming groups on the outskirts to consolidate positions. Fierce fighting for the city continues.
