Russia setting stage for offensive in Zaporizhzhia – reports

Source: Radio Svoboda

Russian troops are quietly preparing to launch attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region as they want to seize the Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk and occupy the city of Zaporizhzhia, according to Vladyslav Voloshyn,  Southern Defense Forces spokesperson.

He claimed that Russian forces though are amassing their resources for a limited assault action, focusing on the areas near Priyutne and Robotyne.

“The goal of the enemy’s actions near Priyutne is to push towards Velyka Novosilka to take control of the remaining parts of Donetsk and cut off logistical routes to Ukrainian forces defending Vuhledar and further toward Kurakhove,” explained Voloshyn.

He also said that Russian forces are preparing new units near Robotyne for a possible push towards Orikhiv.

Dmytro Pelykh, spokesperson for Ukraine’s 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade, confirmed the Russian buildup near Robotyne. He believes the ultimate objective of such build-up is Zaporizhzhia.

“We have intel suggesting that they have brought heavy armored vehicles to this direction, along with several buggies or golf carts—vehicles not of Russian origin. However, we have not seen a significant increase in troop numbers yet. It’s clear that they are preparing. They want to eliminate the Robotyne salient and possibly move further, as their goal is to capture Zaporizhzhia. Although they claimed it as part of Russia, the city remains under Ukrainian control,” Pelykh stated.