Edith Hejberg
Zhorin added that he hasn’t witnessed this kind of rapid Russian advance in a long time, describing the enemy’s progress as dangerously swift.
Russia appears to be exploiting vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s southern frontlines, with alarming success. Reports from the battlefield indicate that defensive positions near Zaporizhzhia are weakening fast, leading to a series of territorial gains for Putin’s forces.
Ukrainian officials are raising the alarm as this shift threatens to change the dynamic of the war.
Ukrainian commander issues stark warning
Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade, delivered a grave assessment via Telegram. “In some areas, without urgent changes, the situation will become critical,” he wrote.
Zhorin added that he hasn’t witnessed this kind of rapid Russian advance in a long time, describing the enemy’s progress as dangerously swift.
Peace talks underway, but fighting rages on
While discussions between the US and Russia continue in Abu Dhabi, the war remains active and intense.
American Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is leading efforts to broker a peace deal. But on the ground, there’s little sign of de-escalation. Both sides are continuing their offensives, with significant fighting reported in the east and south of Ukraine.
Russia doubles down in eastern Ukraine
Putin’s troops are focusing heavily on Pokrovsk, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine. Military analysts believe this move is part of a broader strategy to stretch Ukraine’s forces across multiple fronts.
The offensive adds to pressure already mounting in the south, creating difficult choices for Kyiv’s military leadership.
Southern front becomes Ukraine’s soft spot
The Zaporizhzhia region has become particularly vulnerable. Russian troops are reportedly advancing from the right flank, and their movements have been confirmed by analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Ukraine may soon have to reposition forces to avoid a larger breakthrough in this sector.
Budanov downplays threat to Zaporizhzhia city
Despite reports of Russian gains, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, pushed back on suggestions that enemy troops are close to Zaporizhzhia city.
Still, he admitted Russian units are trying to move within artillery range, an ominous sign for one of Ukraine’s key southern hubs.
Ukraine struggles with Russia’s changing tactics
According to ISW, Ukrainian forces are having a hard time adjusting to Russia’s new battlefield strategies.
Russian troops are now employing infiltration missions, identifying weak points and exploiting them through coordinated small-unit attacks. These tactics are forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat more frequently than before.
Russian air strategy takes its toll
Moscow has intensified its air interdiction efforts, targeting Ukrainian logistics and drone networks.
These sustained aerial attacks are wearing down Ukrainian capabilities over time, creating further openings for Russian advances on the ground. The pressure is now building on Ukraine’s supply chains and troop morale.
Battlefield losses mount for both sides
While Ukraine has reportedly inflicted heavy casualties, such as the destruction of over 300 Russian troops in a single attack, Russia’s slow but steady push continues.
The war has entered a grinding phase where each gain comes at a heavy price, but the momentum currently appears to be favouring Russia in key regions.
Peace plan meets scepticism on the front
Amid ongoing peace talks, many Ukrainian soldiers remain deeply wary. Zhorin criticised the focus on negotiations, stressing that the situation at the front continues to deteriorate.
“While everyone is dissecting the negotiations, the frontline hasn’t gone anywhere,” he warned, hinting that political deals may be out of sync with battlefield realities.
Former Azov commander raises alarm
Zhorin, who previously led the Azov Brigade between 2016 and 2017, has emerged as a key voice of concern.
His reputation as a seasoned battlefield leader adds weight to his warnings. His latest comments underscore the urgency with which Ukrainian forces view the current stage of the war.
Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhia now critical flashpoints
As Russian forces press forward on two major fronts, Pokrovsk in the east and Zaporizhzhia in the south, Ukraine is being forced into a defensive posture.
Any further Russian advances in these areas could shift the war’s momentum decisively, possibly even threatening key cities before winter sets in.
Kyiv braces for a long winter
With no immediate breakthroughs expected in peace talks and Russia continuing its aggressive push, Ukraine is preparing for a long and difficult winter campaign.
The country’s leadership faces mounting pressure to shore up defences, adapt to enemy tactics, and secure more international support before conditions worsen further.
