Russia tries to encircle Ukraine's Huliaipole: What's happening on south's main fronts
Illustrative photo: Russia attempts to encircle Huliaipole (GettyImages)
Significant escalation of fighting has been reported in the Huliaipole, Orikhiv, and Oleksandrivka directions of the front. The most critical situation is near Huliaipole, where Russian forces are attempting to cut off supply routes and encircle the town, said the spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn.
According to Voloshyn, the enemy is trying to encircle Huliaipole from the east and northeast and enter the town, with the heavy use of aviation. Each day, Russia drops several dozen guided bombs on the town.
"The enemy's primary goal is to cut off supply routes and encircle Huliaipole from the east and northeast, entering the town," he said.
The situation remains extremely tense in the Oleksandrivka direction as well, where the highest number of clashes in the south are recorded. Fighting continues along almost the entire front line in this area.
"The Oleksandrivka direction is very active. We always record the largest number of clashes in the south here, practically along the entire front line in this direction," the spokesperson emphasized.
In the Orikhiv direction, Russian units are also attempting to advance, particularly toward Prymorske, Plavni, and Stepnohirsk. According to Voloshyn, the Russian forces are moving along the former Kakhovka reservoir, have reached Plavni, and are attempting infiltration toward Malokaterynivka using small infantry groups.
Despite a slight decrease in assault intensity over the past two days, enemy fire activity has not lessened. Russian forces continue to use kamikaze drones, artillery, and other weapons.
"The enemy constantly uses kamikaze drones, artillery, and other means to strike our positions and populated areas," Voloshyn concluded.
Fighting near Huliaipole
On November 26, reports emerged claiming that Russian forces had breached Ukrainian defenses near Huliaipole and advanced almost to the town.
Spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces Vladyslav Voloshyn, told RBC-Ukraine that the escalation in the Huliaipole direction occurred after a regrouping of Ukrainian forces. One unit carried out an uncoordinated withdrawal, leaving the defensive flank exposed. Russian forces took advantage of this and attempted to attack the Ukrainian flank.
At the same time, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation, reports of Russian forces entering the town are false. All enemy attempts to enter Huliaipole were repelled by Ukrainian troops.
It was also reported that Russian forces continue assault operations around Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region, but Ukrainian defenders have stopped them on the approaches to the town.
