Ukrainian forces’ tactical gains in southern Ukraine force Russia to redeploy troops - ISW
Photo: Ukrainian servicemen (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces have liberated three settlements near Oleksandrivka and are continuing to put pressure on Russian positions. This could affect Russia’s plans near Huliaipole, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to Ukrainian military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets, on October 25, the Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated Perebudova, Komar, and Fedorivka. These settlements are located east and south of Oleksandrivka.
Ukrainian troops also advanced from Vesеlе toward Skudne. According to ISW, citing Mashovets’ reports, Ukrainian forces likely pushed Russian troops out of a salient northwest of the Fedorivka–Burlatske line.
At the same time, Russian units still hold positions on the northeastern outskirts of Perebudova. Thus, despite Ukrainian gains, fighting continues in this area.
Russia redeploys marine infantry and tank units
According to ISW, Ukrainian counterattacks in the Oleksandrivka direction have forced the Russian command to reposition some of its forces.
Mashovets reported that Russia had redeployed units of the 120th Naval Infantry Division of the Baltic Fleet and the 40th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet to the area. They were brought in to reinforce the defense instead of supporting offensive operations toward Huliaipole.
These formations are considered relatively combat-capable units of the Russian army. According to ISW, the Russian command typically deploys naval infantry to priority sectors of the front.
Previously, units of the 120th Division and the 40th Brigade operated in the Dobropillia direction. In March 2026, they were redeployed to the area around Oleksandrivka.
In addition, according to Mashovets, the Russian command redeployed units of the 90th Tank Division to this sector. They had initially been intended to support the Russian offensive toward Druzhkivka.
Since March 2026, units of this division have been distributed across various sectors of the front, including northern Ukraine and several areas of the Donetsk region.
How Ukraine’s gains could affect Russia’s offensive
Ukrainian forces have been conducting counterattacks in the Oleksandrivka direction since early February 2026. According to ISW, these operations are part of a broader effort to counter Russian offensive operations.
Further Ukrainian advances could threaten the rear of Russian forces attempting to advance west of Huliaipole. This direction is important to Russia’s plans to encircle Orikhiv from two sides.
Velyka Novosilka, in particular, is located near a key road junction that supports Russian operations in the area. Ukrainian advances could therefore complicate the operations of Russian units attacking west of Huliaipole.
At the same time, ISW assesses Ukraine’s gains as slow but tactically significant. Their further impact will depend on whether the Ukrainian Armed Forces can continue advancing and how substantially the Russian command will have to redistribute forces between sectors.
Earlier, soldiers of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment captured a Russian serviceman whom the command had sent approximately 20 km into the Ukrainian rear carrying a Russian flag.
He was supposed to travel from Huliaipole to Tersianka in the Zaporizhzhia region, plant the flag, and create the appearance of Russian forces advancing. However, instead of returning with the footage he had recorded, the Russian soldier was captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
