Russia launches an offensive on Zaporizhzhia: Gerasimov calls the city a top priority

Russia launches offensive to capture Zaporizhzhia

The General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces has launched an offensive in the Zaporizhzhia sector.
This was reported by intelligence sources and a number of Ukrainian media outlets.

«Gerasimov personally reported to Putin on the start of the operation to capture Zaporizhzhia. The main targets are the settlements of Prymorske and Stepnohirsk», the statement said.

According to the Ukrainian military, the enemy is building up the number of assault units and equipment near the front line in an attempt to break through the Ukrainian defences in the Orikhov area.

Main areas of attack: Prymorske and Stepnohirsk

Russian troops intensified attacks in the southern part of the frontline, particularly in the areas of Prymorske and Stepnohirsk.
According to local representatives, shelling of civilian targets, schools and fire stations is recorded daily.

Ukrainian artillery and drones are controlling the main logistical routes of the occupiers, including the Tokmak-Melitopol route.

Russia's preparations to expand its offensive

Analysts say that after the front line is stabilised, the Russian command may try to expand the combat zone towards the Dnipro region.

«The enemy can use distracting attacks to create pressure on Zaporizhzhia and at the same time advance northeast of Orikhiv,» the analysts said in a report ISW.

The Ukrainian command emphasises that the situation is under control, but difficult.
Active counter-battery operations and attacks on the occupiers' ammunition depots are underway.

Strategic importance of Zaporizhzhia

Zaporizhzhia remains one of the most key areas of Ukraine's defence.
Its capture would give Russia a land corridor to the Azov Sea coast and access to strategically important cities.

However, the Ukrainian army has fortified positions and constantly receives intelligence on enemy movements.
Analysts believe that it will be extremely difficult for Russia to succeed without huge losses in manpower and equipment.

What the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine says

The morning report of the Armed Forces of Ukraine states that Russian troops carried out more than 40 assault operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector over the past day.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled all the attacks, destroying several armoured vehicles and artillery systems.

«The defence is holding. We are inflicting significant losses on the enemy,» the General Staff said in a statement.