Ukrainian forces are engaged in heavy fighting in Huliaipole, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where they are attempting to push back Russian infiltrators trying to enter the city, local officials said.
Huliaipole has recently become a focal point in southern Ukraine, with Russian forces concentrating significant troops and equipment in an attempt to advance on the city.
20-25 daily clashes across the city
Small assault groups are moving through urban areas, while Ukraine conducts search-and-strike operations to stop them, according to Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.
Voloshyn said 20-25 clashes occur inside Huliaipole daily. Fighting is concentrated in the city center and the western and southern districts, with Russian troops also attacking nearby settlements, including Zaliznychne.
The goal of the attacks is to secure Dobropillia, and nearby Pryluky and Varvarivka along a key logistics route from Dnipropetrovsk toward Huliaipole.
The Russian military conducts 15-20 guided aerial bomb strikes on the city each day, Voloshyn added.
"Flag runners" exposed as propaganda tool
Russian propaganda is also active in the sector. Claims of capturing settlements such as Kosivtseve are false, he said, describing them as the work of “flag runners” - small groups that temporarily slip into Ukrainian rear areas, take photos or videos with Russian flags, and are often killed shortly afterward. The images are then used to exaggerate Russia’s progress for foreign analysts.
Three Russian armies concentrated on Huliaipole
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War say Russia has concentrated forces from at least three armies and one division in the Huliaipole direction.
On December 25, the occupiers attempted to break through to the city center, including claiming the capture of a Ukrainian command and observation post.
