Veteran military analyst Oleksii Hetz warns that Russian forces may be preparing a serious offensive against the Zaporizhzhia Oblast by concentrating manpower and equipment towards Huliaypole, and Orikhiv.
Oleksii Hetzman, a military analyst and veteran from the Russian-Ukrainian War, says that the Russian occupiers may be preparing a major assault on the Zaporizhzhia Front. This was reported by Suspilne.
Russian military officials have reported increased activity by Russian forces, especially near Pryiutne, Robotyne, and the Zaporizhzhia Front, where they are amassing heavy equipment and personnel to conduct assaults designed to push further into Ukrainian-held territory and possibly seize the city itself.
The situation is still precarious. There are reports of Russian air attacks that have caused civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and multiple strikes on settlements, critical facilities, and other important areas. Zaporizhzhia Oblast, meanwhile, is expanding its defensive infrastructure by building second and third lines of defence as well as fortifying the areas around cities.
“There is a gradual but steady advance by the enemy along the eastern front. They are also likely preparing serious offensive actions along the Zaporizhzhia Front. They have concentrated significant manpower and equipment near Huliaypole towards Orikhiv. We can therefore expect offensive actions in that direction,” explained Hetman.
Hetman says that the Russians are attempting to reach and cross the Oskol River on the northern front.
The expert also explained how weather conditions could affect offensive operations.
“It will likely slow down the Russians ability to advance, but not significantly. It will slow them down, but it is not something to rely on. It is difficult to defend yourself if you’re standing in a trench full of water,” said the expert.
RBC reported that military analyst Ivan Stupak had stated earlier that there was a risk of a Russian assault in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and therefore Ukraine must consider worst-case scenarios. According to him the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the Zaporizhzhia Front have been waiting for “something” to begin for several months.
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