Ukrainian forces have pulled back from five villages in southeastern Zaporizhia following heavy Russian artillery bombardments, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region. The Ukrainian Army reports thousands of shells fired as Russian troops press their offensive, intensifying concerns about the security situation in southern Ukraine.

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Fierce Fighting and Strategic Withdrawals

The Ukrainian military confirmed that the withdrawal came after the “de facto destruction of all shelters and fortifications” in the contested villages. Approximately 2,000 Russian artillery shells were fired at Ukrainian positions, prompting commanders to order a tactical retreat to preserve troops and regroup defenses.

Oleksandr Syrskii, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, described the situation as “significantly worsened” in the Oleksandrivka and Huliapole directions. Despite the withdrawal, he emphasized that Russian advances have come at a steep cost.

“Every metre of our land costs Russia hundreds of military lives,” Syrskii said, highlighting the heavy losses inflicted on attacking forces during their push.

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Russian Advances in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk

In addition to Zaporizhia, Russia reported progress in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk, cities in eastern Ukraine. Russian troops have been using numerical superiority and heavy artillery, alongside poor weather conditions, to infiltrate Ukrainian positions under foggy conditions.

Video footage from Russian sources showed troops advancing using motorcycles, military vehicles, and improvised transport, highlighting the intensity of their push. Russia has concentrated an estimated 150,000 troops in the Pokrovsk offensive, employing a pincer movement to threaten encirclement and disrupt Ukrainian supply lines.

A Russian commander, identified by the call sign Hunter, claimed full control of the eastern part of Kupiansk, including an oil depot and several key railway stops, according to statements from Russia’s Ministry of Defence.

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Ukraine’s Resistance Amid Resource Shortages

Ukraine continues to defend the remaining positions in Zaporizhia and adjacent regions, despite facing:

• Severe troop shortages
• Intense Russian artillery and drone superiority
• Challenging weather conditions

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, visiting parts of southern Kherson not occupied by Russian forces, described the situation as “difficult, in part because of weather conditions that favour the attacks.” Zelenskyy noted that the situation in Kupiansk remained somewhat stable, with Ukrainian forces achieving measurable defensive results.

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Contested Villages and Frontline Tensions

Military observers note that the Ukrainian front line is thinning under sustained pressure, allowing Russian forces to make incremental advances. Control of three additional villages northeast of Huliapole remains disputed, with ongoing clashes and artillery exchanges.

The recent setbacks underscore the strategic significance of the Zaporizhia region, which has been a focal point in the conflict for more than three and a half years. Russian control of these areas could threaten Ukrainian supply routes and key defensive positions further west.

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The Bigger Picture

• Zaporizhia Region: Southern Ukraine, targeted by sustained Russian offensives.
• Pokrovsk: Strategic city in eastern Ukraine, referred to by Russian media as the “gateway to Donetsk.”
• Kupiansk: Important logistical hub, partially captured by Russian forces.
• Artillery Exchanges: Thousands of shells fired, heavy losses on both sides.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides reporting conflicting information on territorial control. Russian claims of encirclement have been denied by Kyiv, while Ukraine continues efforts to hold remaining positions and counter Russian advances.