Kathrine Frich
Conflicting claims have emerged over the situation in southeastern Ukraine as fighting intensifies in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Russian media reports suggested a significant territorial gain, but Ukrainian authorities strongly dispute those assertions.
Officials in Kyiv say the reality on the ground remains far more complex, with battles continuing street by street.
Claims and denials
Russian troops have not captured the town of Hulyaipol, according to Vladislav Voloshin, spokesperson for the Southern Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Speaking to Interfax-Ukraine on Monday, he rejected reports circulating in Russian media that the town had fallen.
Instead, Ukrainian officials say Hulyaipol remains contested, with both sides holding positions in close proximity.
The town lies in a so-called gray zone, where front lines shift rapidly and control is often unclear.
Voloshin said nearly the entire area has become an active combat zone, with Russian forces attempting to strengthen their foothold inside the town.
Urban combat continues
“Almost the entire Hulyaipole area is a fighting zone. The enemy is trying to consolidate its position in the city, even withdrawing units from other sectors. In particular, it is transferring units from Werbowe and Zatyshshie (east of Zaporizhzhia – editor’s note) to consolidate their positions for further assault operations. However, we are trying to destroy such groups,” Voloshin said.
He stressed that Ukrainian troops continue to hold positions in most of the town, despite the intensity of the fighting.
“To put it bluntly, there could be Russians in one house, and Russians in the neighboring house. This is urban warfare. So, intense fighting is currently underway for Hulyaipole,” he added.
Pressure from two sides
According to Voloshin, Russian units are attempting to push into Hulyaipol from both the north, near the village of Warvarivka, and the south, around Zaliznyczne.
Increased enemy activity has been observed particularly near Zaliznyczne.
He said Russian forces are also attempting to move closer to the western part of the town, using buildings for cover before Ukrainian troops carry out clearing operations.
Logistics in the area remain extremely difficult due to heavy drone activity from both sides, Ukrainian officials say.
Broader offensive plans
The fighting around Hulyaipol comes as Moscow signals broader ambitions in the region.
Reuters reported earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin said his forces would continue offensive operations aimed at capturing the city of Zaporizhzhia.
“The enemy has been preparing to defend Zaporizhzhia for many years, but the Russian Federation’s forces are capable of fulfilling their missions in this area,” Putin said during a meeting with senior military commanders.
Russian officials claim progress along multiple fronts, though Ukrainian civilian and military authorities consistently argue that such statements are exaggerated and primarily serve propaganda purposes.
Sources: Interfax-Ukraine, Reuters, Ukrainian Southern Defense Forces
