UPDATE: Russian forces have launched a significant offensive in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, capturing two key settlements, Rivnopillya and Mala Tokmachka. This aggressive push is part of Russia’s broader strategy to secure control over the entire region, prompting urgent responses from Ukrainian forces.
As of today, Russian troops have advanced up to 30 kilometers in the past six weeks, according to pro-Ukrainian maps. The occupation of Rivnopillya places the southern town of Huliaipole at risk, as Russian units aim to encircle it. Additionally, Mala Tokmachka, located just 9 kilometers from Orikhiv, has been described by military analysts as “the gateway to Orikhiv,” underscoring its strategic significance.
Ukraine’s military is currently grappling with intense artillery and drone assaults from Russia while trying to bolster defenses in the critical Donetsk region. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are struggling to maintain their positions due to a manpower shortage, with elite units admitting they lack sufficient troops to hold numerous defensive points.
“Fighting has intensified around Huliaipole,” stated Ukraine’s top general last week, highlighting the escalating violence in the area. There has been no immediate response from Ukrainian officials regarding the latest territorial losses.
The situation remains dire as Russia now controls approximately 19 percent of Ukraine—equating to 115,476 square kilometers—a marginal increase of just one percentage point over the last two years. Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond Zaporizhzhia; they aim to seize control of the entire Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, alongside the whole of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine still retains control over around 7,000 square kilometers within Zaporizhzhia, including the city of Zaporizhzhia itself, which had a pre-war population exceeding 700,000 people. The humanitarian impact of this latest offensive has yet to be fully assessed, but the stakes are alarmingly high.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the conflict. Analysts and officials will be watching for further movements from Russian forces and any potential counteractions from Ukraine.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
