Russian pressure near Huliaipole intensifies, raising risks to Zaporizhzhia city
Ivan Fedorov (photo: president.gov.ua)
Russian forces have focused their main efforts on the Huliaipole and Kamianske directions of the front, which has made the security situation for Zaporizhzhia more difficult in recent months, said Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ukrinform reports.
"Is there a threat to Zaporizhzhia? It has not ceased over the nearly four years of the war. Let's speak honestly about this. Has the situation worsened over the past six months? Yes, it has become more difficult. Attention is focused on two directions of the front: Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk or Kamianske," he said.
At the same time, Fedorov noted that in the Kamianske direction, the Defense Forces are gradually improving their positions. According to him, positive changes are being recorded almost every few days thanks to the systematic work of the units holding the defense there.
"Today, a decision was made on the forced evacuation from Kushuhum, and this indicates that it is not the front line that has shifted, but unfortunately, the means used by the enemy have gained a longer range, and the enemy has prioritized this particular direction," Fedorov explained.
According to Fedorov, the most challenging situation remains in the area of Huliaipole.
"The assault units fighting for Huliaipole are doing almost impossible work in coordination with UAV units. At least three assault units are responsible for Huliaipole. Today, it is too early to talk about stabilizing the situation there; very fierce fighting is ongoing," he said.
Penetration into the Ukrainian Armed Forces headquarters in Huliaipole
Earlier, Russian forces had captured a command-and-observation post in Huliaipole.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi clarified that the 102nd Territorial Defense Brigade left its positions without destroying part of the command post equipment, which had particular value.
At the same time, Russian units entered Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. However, Ukrainian defenders remain in the city and continue the defense. Currently, the Defense Forces have divided Huliaipole into sectors, each containing Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, and several Ukrainian units are operating within the city.
