Russia concentrating its biggest push on Zaporizhzhia, now its primary axis – Syrskyi

Russian forces are concentrating significant manpower and equipment on the Zaporizhzhia front and now view the direction as a primary axis of operations, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said after visiting frontline units.

Fighting in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has intensified in recent months as Russian forces increased pressure along several sectors of the southern frontline. Ukrainian officials and military analysts say Moscow has stepped up assaults near Huliaipole and other frontline settlements, while continuing long-range strikes on nearby towns and infrastructure. 

The renewed activity follows a period when combat in the region was comparatively less active than the eastern fronts, but recent troop movements and attacks suggest Russia is attempting to expand pressure across the southern theater.

Syrskyi tours six communities along the front

Syrskyi said he spent a day working with units fighting along the Zaporizhzhia axis in areas around Stepnohirsk, Prymorske, Shcherbaky, Huliaipole, Zelene, and Varvarivka.

According to him, Russian forces are concentrating large numbers of troops and resources in the sector and now consider it their main direction of effort.

“The intensity of offensive actions in the Huliaipole area is significantly higher compared to other directions,” Syrskyi said.

During the visit, the commander said he reviewed the situation with field commanders and clarified combat tasks based on Russian activity. He also addressed additional supply needs for Ukrainian units, including ammunition, drones, robotic ground systems, and other equipment.

Ukraine’s objectives on the front remain unchanged, Syrskyi said: holding current defensive lines, inflicting maximum losses on Russian forces, regaining the initiative, and protecting Ukrainian soldiers’ lives.

Huliaipole remains a contested anchor of the southern front

The towns and villages mentioned lie along the eastern part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where Ukrainian forces have faced continued Russian assaults since the start of the full-scale invasion. Areas around Huliaipole have been heavily contested due to their position along the frontline separating Ukrainian-held territory from Russian-occupied parts of southern Ukraine.

Syrskyi thanked Ukrainian soldiers, sergeants, and officers serving on the front line, saying their efforts continue to hold back Russian forces despite intensified attacks in the sector.