Fierce Fighting Continues on Huliaipole Front as Ukraine Resists Russian Offensives

Current Situation

Ukrainian military spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn reported that intense battles are ongoing as Russian troops strive to seize the villages of Myrne, Bilohiria, and Luhivske. Despite heavy assaults, Russian forces have not secured any of these settlements.

Voloshyn noted that Ukrainian forces are employing an active maneuver defense strategy. This approach has effectively countered efforts by the enemy to infiltrate their positions. Military operations in the Huliaipole area, stretching from Nove Zaporizhzhia to Huliaipole's outskirts, have not resulted in any territorial advances for Russian troops.

Tactical Developments

In response to Ukrainian resistance, Russian forces have shifted their attacks towards the south and west of the city, particularly increasing pressure on Zaliznychne. Reports indicate that around 15 combat engagements happen daily in this area.

In Myrne, Russian assaults escalated significantly two to two-and-a-half weeks ago. However, Ukrainian defenses remain resilient, with five to seven confrontations reported daily in the village.

Clarifying the Situation

Voloshyn was clear in rejecting claims of Russian occupation in Bilohiria and Luhivske, indicating that while fighting is occurring nearby, Russian troops have not entered these villages. The intensity of combat in Bilohiria has been slightly lower, with one to two clashes reported each day.

He emphasized that a genuine occupation would necessitate the presence of consolidation units, which Russian forces have not sent. Although there have been reports of small infiltration groups trying to breach Bilohiria and Luhivske, Ukrainian forces have effectively responded to these attempts.

In Luhivske, the situation is more serious, with frequent Russian assaults and airstrikes using guided bombs. Voloshyn revealed that Ukrainian tactics involve deceptive maneuvers designed to trick enemy forces into tactical traps.

He dismissed territorial capture claims made by Russian media as misinformation intended to mislead the public. Recent reports have highlighted 167 combat engagements along the front lines, particularly intense along the Pokrovsk axis, which recorded 36 assault attempts on March 15.