Breakthrough of the Russian Federation in the Zaporizhzhia region: what threatens the surroundings of Gulyaipol

Russian troops in this direction during the past week continued to concentrate their efforts precisely in the strip of the 5th ZVA and partially in the strip of the neighboring 36th ZVA. In particular: In addition, the enemy apparently also advanced from the side of Uspenivka in the southwest direction, along the Gulyaipole-Velika Novosilka road, as well as in the direction of Malynivka-Zeleny Gai, on average by 1-1. 5 km.

Thus, it can be stated that during the last 2 weeks, the units and formations of the enemy's 5th ZVA managed to achieve significant tactical success - they immediately forded the Yanchur River, captured a tactical bridgehead on its western bank in the Uspenivka area and, developing their offensive further, advanced to the west for a distance of up to 7 km. They are clearly not very favorable for the Armed Forces in this direction.

Over the last few weeks, the enemy has clearly increased the pace of advance of his advanced units and is not going to slow them down in any way. And so far, it is not possible for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to at least reduce them. Moreover, the enemy, obviously, in the lane of the 5th ZVA has a significant advantage in forces and means, and also quite skillfully uses it.

This is evidenced by the rather rapid expansion of his efforts precisely on the "first" (forward) front line, primarily in those areas and directions where he manages to advance in the tactical zone. This became a characteristic feature of the enemy's offensive in this direction. They are quickly and effectively entrenched here by the main forces of their advanced units and units in those areas where their advanced assault groups have advanced.

The main operational-tactical goal of the Russian command in the bands of the 5th and 36th ZVA, apparently at this stage, is to cover (bypass) the Gulyaipilsky district of the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the north and bypass the main communications with it, primarily from the Pokrovsky side.

In this sense, the Russian command clearly wants to break through to the Gaichur River and the Gulyaipole-Pokrovske road in the Dobropillia-Varvarivka section, as well as to enter Pokrovske directly from the southeast with the forces of the 36th ZVA and the right flank of the 5th ZVA. Given the fact that it has been doing quite well so far, it is very likely that it will continue to increase its efforts in this direction.

I already mentioned above that there is a fairly high probability of using for this purpose in the bands of the 5th and 36th ZVA a part of the forces of one of the units of the Russian Airborne Forces (pdv), namely the 98th Airborne Division and a part of the forces of the 41st ZVA from the "Center" Air Force, however, it is quite possible that the enemy may use part of the reserves of the 58th ZVA for this purpose (Zaporizhia direction, "Dnipro" UA).