Russia changed tactics in Zaporizhzhia: how the enemy's advance near Huliaipole was halted.

According to ТСН: Throughout 2025, the Russian occupation forces continued to exert pressure in the east and south of Ukraine. Special attention was focused on Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, but in the autumn, the enemy unexpectedly intensified their activities in the Zaporizhzhia direction, changing tactics and achieving certain successes.

According to ABC News, in September, the Russians launched a rapid offensive in the countryside east of Zaporizhzhia. The invaders managed to advance up to 10 kilometers.

The reason for this breakthrough was that the territorial defense units, which had held these positions for years, could not withstand the sudden and intense pressure of the overwhelming enemy forces. To rectify the situation in this direction, the experienced 225th Separate Assault Regiment, which had previously successfully repelled attacks in Sumy region, was engaged in combat.

The situation near Huliaipole

The epicenter of the fighting is Huliaipole, a town where 20 thousand people lived before the war, and now only about 150 civilians remain. Major Oleg Shyraiiev of the 225th regiment commented to journalists that the situation remains tense.

“The situation there remains complicated, and we are trying to stabilize it. It is a mistake to think that it has stabilized 100%. We had to go out and create a blocking line, complete the task, and ensure favorable conditions for further success,”

— emphasized the military.

The Ukrainian forces managed to stop the enemy's advance in the fields around the town, but recovering the initiative will take time.

The military notes that the Russians are no longer acting chaotically. The enemy has reorganized its units, taking into account the lessons of modern warfare.

“The enemy has achieved some success because its units have been reorganized according to the latest experience. They have undergone training, taking into account the latest updates, and have learned all the 'lessons' that their predecessors received,”

— said Shyraiiev.

A particular danger is posed by an increase in enemy drone operations, which allows the invaders to control approaches to the line of contact.

Why negotiations are a trap

While the Kremlin uses the seizure of new territories as leverage in potential negotiations, Ukrainian soldiers in the trenches are skeptical of diplomacy. Major Shyraiiev believes that any agreement will only give Russia time to regroup for a new strike.

“I am personally skeptical of any peace negotiations. Even if any peace agreement is signed, Russia will not cease to exist and will not cease to be our enemy. And what will happen next? Should we expect a new attack? No guarantees that Russia can offer can be considered real guarantees,”

— summarized the officer.

On the southern front, Russian troops continue active assault operations, focusing their efforts on Huliaipil and Oleksandrivsk directions.

According to the Southern Defense Forces, the enemy is trying to advance along the logistics route Pokrovske in Dnipropetrovsk region — Huliaipole, which could complicate the supply of Ukrainian units.

Additionally, according to intelligence reports, the Russian Federation is preparing for combat in winter conditions: certain assault units have already received white camouflage cloaks for actions during snowfalls.

The situation at the front remains tense, and military personnel on both sides are preparing for new challenges. It is crucial for Ukrainian forces not only to hold positions but also to find opportunities for counterattacks to regain the initiative from the enemy. Although negotiations may seem like a way to peace, the realities of war remind us that true security is only possible on the battlefield.