Huliaipole in the Gray Zone: Why Holding the City Becomes Critically Difficult.

According to ТСН: The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to hold positions in most of Huliaipole. However, the further defense of the city is becoming extremely difficult due to the specific terrain and the numerical superiority of the enemy.

According to estimates by analysts from the DeepState project, Huliaipole has effectively fallen into the 'gray zone'. Ukrainian military and Russian units are simultaneously present in the city, sometimes in neighboring buildings or even basements.

Openly, as analysts note, mainly assault groups are operating. However, the Russian army has significantly more military personnel, allowing it to demonstrate a presence in the city center, including shooting propaganda videos.

Key Problem - Terrain

The main complication for Ukrainian units is the terrain. Huliaipole is located in a lowland, which greatly complicates the delivery of reinforcements to the city. The enemy faces similar challenges, but due to significantly larger personnel, the Russian side pays less attention to these factors.

Analysts' Warnings

Despite fierce battles for the city and its outskirts, DeepState analysts emphasize the need to simultaneously create defensive positions behind Huliaipole. They warn against repeating the scenario of Avdiivka, where, after losing the city, the enemy was able to advance quickly due to the lack of properly prepared positions.

It is also worth noting that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine previously officially denied Russian claims of allegedly capturing Ukrainian cities - Huliaipole, Myrnohrad, and part of Konstantynivka.

The situation in Huliaipole remains extremely tense. In the conditions of active hostilities, Ukrainian forces are striving to maintain control over the city despite the significant numerical superiority of the enemy. Creating new defensive positions outside the city is an important step to prevent further losses and restore stability in the region. The continuation of battles also indicates that the struggle for Huliaipole could influence the strategy of both sides in the future.