Russia claims significant advances in Zaporizhzhia, capturing two settlements and threatening Ukrainian-held towns amid ongoing artillery and drone warfare
MOSCOW: Russia announced its forces have made significant advances in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, capturing two settlements as part of a major offensive push.
The Russian defence ministry stated its troops took control of Mala Tokmachka and Rivnopillya during Sunday’s operations.
These gains threaten the southern Ukrainian towns of Huliaipole and Orikhiv with potential Russian pincer movements.
Ukrainian officials had not provided immediate comment on the reported advances.
Russian forces have advanced at least 30 km along a broad front in Zaporizhzhia over the past six weeks, according to pro-Ukrainian mapping sources.
Ukrainian soldiers and commanders report insufficient troop numbers to maintain defensive positions despite extensive drone surveillance.
Russia currently controls approximately 19% of Ukrainian territory, totaling 115,476 square km.
Moscow aims to secure complete control of the Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, along with all of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Russia claims control over about 75% of Zaporizhzhia region, leaving Ukraine holding approximately 7,000 square km including the city of Zaporizhzhia.
The pre-war population of Zaporizhzhia city exceeded 700,000 people. – Reuters
