Battle Of Huliaipole Has Not Begun Yet, But Ukraine Is Already Losing (Videos)

File image.

The Russian military consolidated its control in the eastern and southeastern outskirts of Huliaipole on November 25, as Kiev forces began preparing defenses to the north of the key city in Zaporizhzhia.

According to preliminary reports, the Vostok [East] Group of Forces is working to secure heights to the east of Huliaipole, mainly close to Zelenyi Hai. Russian troops are reported to be in control of the settlement itself, as well as in Vysoke to the south of it. This is yet to be confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, however.

Although the battle for Huliaipole has not yet begun, the 127th Motor Rifle Division of the Vostok Group of Forces is said to be deploying right on the eastern edge of the city, to the west of Zatyshshya.

Earlier reports also revealed that Russian reconnaissance groups have already begun operating in the eastern, southeastern, and southern parts of Huliaipole.

In addition, the deployment of TOS-1A “Solntsepyok” thermobaric rocket systems near the city has been confirmed. The rocket system is mainly used to destroy fortifications like tunnels and bunkers. Thus, its deployment indicates that the battle is nearing.

To the north of Huliaipole, Kiev forces are facing a similar critical situation. The Vostok Group of Forces has reported advanced southward along the River Haichur from Nove Zaporizhzhya, and reached Dobropillya after clearing more than 27 square kilometers of territories to the north and east of the settlement.

Russian troops have already stormed Dobropillya, and are reported to have established positions in the northern part of the settlement.

Kiev forces are reportedly rushing to build fortifications between Dobropillya and Varvarika to the south along the Haichur. However, it is unclear if they are doing the same in Huliaipole, which is facing intense bombardment. The defense line along the river won’t be of any use if the city is stormed.

Further to the north in Dnepropetrovsk, the Vostok Group of Forces is also expanding in its control. A large area, with the size of more than ten square kilometers, between Gai and Tykhe along the Vovcha River has been reportedly secured by Russian troops.

The group is clearly planning to secure all the area between the Haichur and Vovcha in order to use the rivers as a natural barrier in Dnepropetrovsk as it develops its offensive in Zaporizhzhia.

To the west in Zaporizhzhia, fierce battles continue between Mala Tokmachka, which was captured by Russian troops earlier in the month, and Novodanylivka to the south of Orikhiv. Advancement of troops between Prymorske and Stepnohirsk has also been reported.

The collapse of Ukrainian defenses in Huliaipole could be catastrophic for both of these directions, the Russian military could advance rapidly from the east towards Orikhiv, then Prymorske. It is unclear if Kiev forces are preparing to face such a scenario, or if all of their defenses are just directed southwards along the old front.

While Ukraine is about to suffer a major defeat in the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk, the collapse could take place in Zaporizhzhia. The battle in Pokrovsk drained Kiev forces and the Ukrainian command’s refusal to withdraw from the city has very much destroyed the morale of their troops. All of this is now manifesting in Huliaipole.

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