Russia strengthens grouping near Huliaipole with a view toward Zaporizhzhia — UP

Russian forces continue to build up their presence in the Huliaipole area of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and aim to launch a larger offensive from there toward Zaporizhzhia.

This is reported by "Ukrainska Pravda", citing its own sources in the military command.

According to the outlet, the Russian command considers the Huliaipole area as one of the directions for further advance. One of UP's interlocutors described the enemy's plan as an attempt to form a large envelopment toward Zaporizhzhia.

It is precisely against this threat that the Ukrainian command has increased its attention to the Zaporizhzhia direction. In particular, the command of the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces, which had previously been moved to Volyn due to the risk of possible actions by Belarus, was later redirected to the south.

According to UP, the decision was made by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapatyi, following a shift in priorities at the front. The corps command was tasked with strengthening the command and control of defense in the Zaporizhzhia direction.

At the same time, the outlet does not report the start of a major Russian offensive from the Huliaipole area. It refers specifically to the buildup of forces and the assessment of a possible enemy plan cited by UP's sources.

The Zaporizhzhia direction remains one of the sections of the front where Russian forces are trying to improve their tactical position and create preconditions for further advancement. Earlier, Ukrainian authorities already reported the need for additional reinforcement of the region's defense.

Meanwhile, according to UP's sources, the main priority for both sides remains the Donbas. However, the command is also preparing for a possible increase in Russian pressure in other directions, in particular toward Zaporizhzhia.