Ukrainian attacks continue in southern Zaporizhzhia region

(Patria) - Ukrainian attacks in the key southern Zaporizhzhia region are continuing, according to Russian officials and military bloggers, reporting heavy fighting there, the BBC reported. Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks, artillery and drones, are attempting to advance south of the city of Orikhiv for the second night in a row. A senior Ukrainian defense official said the enemy is in "active defense".

Several military experts have said that the focus of Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive will be Zaporizhzhia. They claim that Kyiv is trying to regain access to the Sea of Azov, dividing the occupying Russian forces in the region into two separate groups. This would not only weaken their combat capabilities but also eliminate the land bridge to Crimea.

Russia occupied most of the Zaporizhzhia region, including Europe's largest nuclear power plant, shortly after President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The region's capital, the city of Zaporizhzhia, is controlled by Ukraine.

Several pro-Kremlin Russian military bloggers reported late on Thursday that Ukraine had continued its attacks overnight. They said that armored personnel carriers and drones directing artillery fire were also deployed.

Vladimir Rogov, a local official appointed by Russia, said that "active fighting" had taken place in the area between Orikhiv and Tokmak, with Russian troops holding their positions. Many military experts see the city of Tokmak as a key target for Ukraine as it tries to advance to the Sea of Azov.

In its latest bulletin on Thursday evening, the Ukrainian military stated only that the "enemy remains on the defensive" towards Zaporizhzhia, as well as in neighboring Kherson.