Russian troops captured Ukrainian command post in Huliaipole: Army chief explains
Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine)
Russian soldiers indeed managed to capture a command and observation post in Huliaipole. This incident is now being investigated by the Military Law Enforcement Service, stated Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi in an interview with Channel 24.
The general explained that the situation with the captured command post occurred because the 102nd Territorial Defense Brigade could not withstand the pressure from the enemy during the fighting and gradually withdrew. Against this backdrop, assault units and other reinforcements were deployed to strengthen the defense, counterattack the enemy, and retake lost territory.
Syrskyi noted that the actions of the battalion command could have been planned, taking into account the fact that reinforcements from the 5th Assault Brigade had come to help. The soldiers were just two streets away from the command post.
He added that a legal assessment of the battalion commander’s actions had been conducted to determine why the command post had been surrendered to the enemy. From the very beginning, there was an order to organize a circular defense and destroy everything of value or containing confidential information.
"They had time to destroy everything, and the enemy forces there were limited. But despite this unit falling back, the 225th Assault Regiment continues to hold the defense in Huliaipole. The commanders there are assessing the situation realistically, conducting active assault operations, and maintaining the defense. Of course, when Territorial Defense units retreat, it negatively affects the stability of the defense, but we are taking appropriate measures to reinforce this direction," Syrskyi emphasized.
According to the general, the Russians have had no advantages in this direction for a month. Russia continues daily attempts to advance but suffers heavy losses.
Situation with the command post in Huliaipole
A few days ago, a video appeared online in which Russian soldiers claimed to have captured the command and observation post of one of the Territorial Defense units near Huliaipole.
The video was circulated on Telegram channels. The footage shows the building of the command post, abandoned equipment, communication devices, maps, and an unlocked phone.
The Southern Defense Forces reported that an investigation has been launched following the appearance of the video. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with verifying the authenticity of the video, the circumstances of its release, and the reasons for the possible incident. Official information will be released after the verification is complete.
Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn also stated that the operational situation in Huliaipole remains extremely difficult. Russian troops continue assault operations, attempt to secure small groups in the town, and try to cut off supply lines, particularly from the Dnipropetrovsk region.
