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The Southern Defence Forces are encountering a challenging situation as Russian troops have reportedly captured part of Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. This has led to an escalation in conflict, with the Defence Forces investigating the circumstances surrounding the capture of the command and observation post there. The situation remains fluid, with Russian forces intensifying attacks not only in Huliaipole but also in other critical areas such as the Orikhiv direction. Recent reports highlight an increase in artillery strikes and new assault tactics employed by Russian troops. Despite these adversities, the Southern Defence Forces have actively worked to stabilize the front lines, repelling several assaults and adapting to the changing battle landscape in southern Ukraine.

What is the current status of Huliaipole under the Southern Defence Forces?

Huliaipole has seen its control partially taken over by Russian forces, creating a complicated situation for the Southern Defence Forces. Despite the difficulties, efforts are ongoing to investigate the positions' capture and to stabilize the front line. Operations continue to counteract the intensified Russian efforts throughout the region, focusing on maintaining communication and logistics intact.

How have Russian tactics evolved in the southern Ukraine conflict?

Russian forces have increasingly adopted aggressive tactics such as armored breakthroughs combined with substantial infantry numbers and intensified artillery usage. They have also introduced novel assault strategies involving kamikaze drones and small infantry groups to target key positions in the Southern region, including Huliaipole and Orikhiv directions.

What measures are being taken by the Southern Defence Forces in response to the current threats?

The Southern Defence Forces have been actively working to counter Russian advances by fortifying defensive positions, conducting tactical retreats to more favorable lines when necessary, and launching counter-offensives. The focus remains on repelling assaults, stabilizing critical regions, and minimizing troop losses amid the ongoing hostilities.

Has there been any improvement in the situational control of the Southern Defence Forces?

While conditions remain challenging with fluctuating control in areas such as Huliaipole, the Southern Defence Forces have effectively repelled numerous Russian assaults and maintained key defensive positions. Continued vigilance and strategic adjustments are applied to cope with the evolving threats.

What is the strategic significance of Huliaipole and nearby areas in the conflict?

The strategic importance of Huliaipole and the surrounding regions stems from their positioning in the Zaporizhzhia region, which is critical for maintaining supply chains and communication lines. Control over these areas impacts the operational dynamics of the Southern Defence Forces and the broader security environment in Southern Ukraine.

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News Southern Defence Forces

The situation in the Huliaipole direction Defence forces have regained control over number of settlements on administrative border between Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, - Voloshyn At the end of January 2026, the Defense Forces launched an operation in the Huliaipole direction, carrying out counterattacks and assaults. 2 501 7 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

The enemy intensified its attacks with KABs on the front line after blocking Starlink After blocking Starlink, Russians intensified their strikes with KABs: more than 100 per day, - Southern Defence Forces. Russian troops are using more than a hundred guided aerial bombs per day against Ukrainian positions. 1 174 10 Previously in trend: Blocking Starlink to occupiers

afu AFU counterattacks in Oleksandrivka direction, holding back Russian advance towards Dnipropetrovsk region, - Southern Defence Forces Ukrainian defence forces are conducting counterattacks and assaults in the Oleksandrivka direction, preventing Russian troops from advancing towards the Dnipropetrovsk region. 851 0 Previously in trend: Russian offensive in Dnipropetrovsk region Fighting in the Oleksandrivka direction

Krynychne in Zaporizhzhia is under control of Ukraine, - Southern Defense Forces Krynychne in Zaporizhzhia region is under control of Ukraine, - Southern Defense Forces The town of Krynychne in the Zaporizhzhia region is under Ukrainian control, and Russian reports are fake. 662 0 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

invaders, occupiers, Russian imperialists, Russian Federation Russia ordered Russian flags to be put up in villages behind front lines ahead of anniversary of invasion, - Southern Defence Forces Russian units in the south were tasked with raising Russian flags in a number of settlements near the line of contact to demonstrate alleged "successes" ahead of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion. 2 546 9 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Defense Forces push back Russians near Vyshneve and Verbove Defense Forces reduce "grey zone" near Vyshneve, Verbove and Ternove – Voloshyn The Defense Forces have pushed back Russian consolidation groups and reduced the "grey zone" near the settlements of Vyshneve, Verbove and Ternove in the Zaporizhzhia region. 529 0 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction Fighting in Huliaipillia direction Fighting in the Oleksandrivka direction

In Zaporizhzhia, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reduced the grey zone near Verbove Ukrainian military repelled Russians near Verbove, - Voloshyn Defense forces reduced the gray zone near Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region and prevented the occupiers from gaining a foothold. 893 1 Previously in trend: Fighting in the Oleksandrivka direction

The village of Zaliznychne is not occupied: the Defence Forces are in control of it. Village of Zaliznychne is under control of Armed Forces of Ukraine, - Southern Defence Forces Ukrainian defenders control the village of Zaliznychne in the Zaporizhzhia region. 1 535 3 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Defence forces successfully cleared the village in Zaporizhzhia Defence forces cleared Ternuvate in the Zaporizhzhia region of Russians. VIDEO The village of Ternuvate in the Zaporizhzhia region is under Ukrainian control. Defenders raised the Ukrainian flag in the village. 3 994 5 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

Ternuvate in Zaporizhia is not occupied What is happening in the village Russians are lying about occupation of Ternuvate. Enemy SRG that penetrated village was destroyed - Southern Defense Forces The information spread by Russians about the alleged occupation of the village of Ternuvate in the Zaporizhzhia region is not true. 1 168 4 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Russia to staff southern assault units with 1,300 ex-prisoners, hepatitis C Russia plans to deploy over 1,300 prisoners and people with hepatitis C in assaults in south, Defense Forces say Russian forces plan to staff assault units in the southern direction with more than 1,300 people from the special contingent, including former prisoners and people with hepatitis C. 1 082 16 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

military, combat operations Russia has changed tactics in south and intensified air strikes on rear facilities, - Defence Forces Russian troops in the south have significantly increased the number of air strikes and the use of strike drones in recent weeks, shifting their focus from the front line to attacks on rear facilities and communications of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. 899 3 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Kherson region Enemy has abandoned its positions on Oleksiivskyi Island in Kherson region, - Voloshyn Russian units withdrew from Oleksiivskyi Island in the Kherson region under pressure from active operations by the Ukrainian Defence Forces, as well as due to the deterioration of the morale and psychological state of their personnel. 1 332 0 Previously in trend: fightings in Kherson region

Russia redeploys airborne units to Orikhiv direction to sustain assaults Russia reinforces Orikhiv direction with airborne units, Southern Defense Forces say Russian command is regrouping forces in southern Ukraine, redeploying airborne units from the Prydniprovske and Kherson directions to the Orikhiv direction. The aim is to maintain the tempo and intensity of assault operations despite significant personnel losses. 897 3 Previously in trend: Hostilities in the Orikhiv direction

kab, kabs Russia dropped record number of KABs in south in one day - 106 strikes, - Defence Forces Over the past day, Russian troops have used a record number of guided aerial bombs in the southern sectors of the front line - 106 KABs 586 3 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Attack on Zaporizhzhia Russians are trying to create springboard for strikes on Zaporizhzhia, - Southern Defence Forces Russian invaders are trying to break through to Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region. The village is located on a springboard that is advantageous for the enemy, allowing them to fire on the city of Zaporizhzhia. 1 314 3 Previously in trend: Shelling of Zaporizhzhia Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

Huliaypole This is large grey zone: Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on fighting for Huliaypole Fierce battles are being fought for every block in Huliaypole, Russian assault groups are reaching the outskirts, but they are being destroyed and are unable to gain a foothold. 3 977 8 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

The Defence Forces explained why the enemy intensified attacks on Stepnohirsk In Zaporizhzhia region, enemy is trying to approach Pavlivka and drive our fighters out of Stepnohirsk, - Defence Forces In the Zaporizhzhia region, the enemy is attempting to approach the village of Pavlivka and dislodge our troops from the village of Stepnohirsk. 1 800 2 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

General Staff headquarters Fierce street fighting continues in Huliaipole, - Southern Defence Forces Intense fighting continues in Huliaipole and surrounding villages. Russian troops are trying to dislodge Ukrainian defenders. 1 904 15 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

Huliaipole Part of Huliaipole is under the control of Russian troops, - Southern Defence Forces Russian troops have captured part of the city of Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. The situation in the city is very difficult. 5 451 29 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

The Russian Federation announced the capture of the headquarters in Huliaipole. Russians showed video from the captured command and observation post in Huliaipole. Defence forces will conduct an investigation The Russian military announced the capture of the headquarters of one of the territorial defence battalions in Huliaipole, Zaporizhzhia region. The Southern Defence Forces will investigate this incident. 41 181 171 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

huliaipole Russians claim to have captured headquarters in Huliaipole: Defence forces begin verification The Southern Defence Forces have begun verifying information about the possible capture by Russians of the command and observation post of a Ukrainian unit in Huliaipole. 9 383 33 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

General Staff headquarters Russia has intensified attacks in southern Ukraine, - Defence Forces Russian troops have significantly increased the intensity of assaults and the use of weapons in southern Ukraine, while the Defense Forces have destroyed hundreds of enemy vehicles since the beginning of 2025. 670 0 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

General Staff headquarters Russia may intensify assault operations in Orikhiv direction, - Defence Forces After regrouping, Russian troops may intensify their offensive operations in the Orikhiv direction, attempting to advance toward the city of Orikhiv. 456 0 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south Hostilities in the Orikhiv direction

General Staff report In south Russian Federation switched to tactics of breakthroughs with armoured columns and large numbers of infantry, - Defence Forces Russian troops in the south have begun to actively use armoured breakthrough tactics accompanied by large numbers of infantry. 4 507 34 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

The Huliaipole front has been stabilised: the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled the enemy Near Huliaipole, AFU held back enemy’s offensive, front line has been stabilised, - Southern Defence Forces. VIDEO The 33rd separate assault regiment and adjacent units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces held back the offensive and stabilised the situation in the Huliaipole direction. 5 444 13 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

Huliaipole Troops say Russian occupiers are already being spotted on outskirts of Huliaipole. Southern Defence Forces deny it Ukrainian servicemen say they have spotted Russian occupiers on the outskirts of the town of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia region. Officially, the Southern Defence Forces say they have received no information about any deterioration in the situation. 4 120 32 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

Near Huliaipole, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have withdrawn from their positions AFU unit withdrew from positions near Huliaipole without coordination. Enemy outflanked them – Southern Defence Forces In the Zaporizhzhia region near Huliaipole, one of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) units pulled back from its positions without coordination. Russian troops took advantage of this and moved into the flank of the Defence Forces. Following the fighting, several of our soldiers are considered missing in action. 27 525 138 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

Defence Forces deny fall of Vysoke, say fierce fighting continues Too early to say Vysoke is lost: fierce fighting continues – Southern Defence Forces The Defence Forces of the South have denied reports that Russian forces have occupied the settlement of Vysoke in Zaporizhzhia region. 1 608 8 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

huliapole Situation in Huliaipole direction is difficult, but there is no encirclement. Communications and logistics remain intact, - Southern Defence Forces The Southern Defence Forces warn against spreading panic narratives about the situation in the Huliaipole direction, emphasising that the enemy is actively conducting information and psychological operations, exaggerating its "successes" and manipulating facts about combat operations. 1 211 5 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

Heavy fighting in Huliaipole sector: command denies encirclement claims Reports of Ukrainian units being encircled and barrier detachments in Huliaipole direction are false, Southern Defence Forces say The situation in the Huliaipole direction remains tense. The enemy continues heavy fire on Ukrainian positions, with 10 engagements recorded over the past day near the villages of Yablukove and Rivnopillia. 2 581 21 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipillia direction

Antonivsky bridge Russian troops tried to advance near Antonivskyi Bridge in Kherson region - Southern Defense Forces Russian troops attempted to advance near the Antonivsky railway bridge in the Kherson region in an attempt to dislodge Ukrainian defenders. 2 370 5 Previously in trend: fightings in Kherson region Antonivskyi bridge

Escalation in the South Enemy tried to infiltrate Varvarivka and Rivnopillia - Defense Forces of the South In southern Ukraine, the enemy continues its active assault operations, intensively shelling the positions of our troops and continuing its drone terror against the local population in settlements adjacent to the front line. 1 455 8 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Fighting in the south: 40 attacks per day and massive drone strikes Russian assaults continue in south, enemy has lost almost 300 soldiers - Defense Forces Ukrainian defenders repelled a series of massive assaults in the Oleksandrivka, Huliaypole, and Orikhiv directions. The enemy used thousands of munitions, kamikaze drones, and aerial bombs, striking civilian areas as well. 798 2 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Battles for Novovasylivske Our soldiers have withdrawn from Novovasylivske to more advantageous positions for defense - Southern Defense Forces In Zaporizhzhia and southern Dnipropetrovsk regions, the enemy continues to intensify its assault operations, massive artillery shelling, and fire strikes. 3 452 29 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

fighting in Zaporizhia region Occupiers step up assaults in Huliaipole direction. Fighting for Rivnopillia, Yablukove and Solodke continues – Southern Defense Forces Russian forces have stepped up assault operations along the Huliaipole sector. Intense fighting is currently underway for Rivnopillia, Yablukove and Solodke. 1 246 4 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

The Armed Forces of Ukraine withdrew from Rivnopilla to Zaporizhzhia. What is known? Armed Forces of Ukraine withdrew from Rivnopillia region to more favorable lines, Russian advance has been stopped - Southern Defense Forces Ukrainian defenders withdrew from their positions in the Rivnopillia area in Zaporizhzhia in order to save the lives of their personnel. 2 859 17 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

The Armed Forces of Ukraine withdrew from several villages in the south. Defense Forces withdraw from positions near Novouspenivske, Nove, Okhotnyche, Uspenivka and Novomykolaivka in Zaporizhzhia region – Voloshyn Ukrainian troops were forced to withdraw from positions near five settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region. 6 731 15

defense forces Russians intensify shelling near Stepove and Mali Shcherbaky, - Southern Defense Forces Shcherbaky, where Russian troops have intensified shelling and are attempting to regain previously lost positions. 456 0 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Islands near Kherson: Russians step up their activities Russian forces have become more active on islands near Kherson, - Southern Defense Forces Russian occupiers have become more active on the islands of Velykyi Vilkhovyi and Bilohrudyi. 992 0 Previously in trend: fightings in Kherson region

Defense Forces deny Russian capture of territories in southern Ukraine Information about enemy capture of territories in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions are false – Southern Defense Forces The situation in the Oleksandrivka, Huliaipole, and Orikhiv directions remains tense, but reports of Russian forces capturing any settlements are untrue. 4 024 14

afu Russians have intensified artillery strikes in south and are preparing for assaults in small groups, - Defense Forces In the south, the enemy intensified the use of artillery and electronic warfare, attempting to create conditions for assault operations by small infantry groups. 703 1 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

General Staff report Occupiers are trying to infiltrate into Stepnohirsk, but to no avail - Southern Defense Forces Russian troops are conducting infiltration operations from Stepove and Kamianske, trying to gain a foothold in the basements of high-rise buildings in Stepnohirsk, but the Defense Forces are repelling the attacks. 736 1 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

General Staff report Defense Forces repelled large-scale Russian assault in Orikhiv direction: enemy suffered losses. VIDEO The Ukrainian defence forces repelled another large-scale assault by Russian troops in the Orikhiv direction in Zaporizhzhia region. The enemy suffered losses in manpower and equipment. 3 510 9 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Destruction of the occupiers

General Staff report Defense Forces repelled all enemy attacks in southern Ukraine, - Voloshyn In the south, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attempts by Russian troops to break through. 403 0 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south

Russian drone attacked civilian vehicle In south, Russia reduces use of drones due to poor visibility, but intensifies artillery shellings and assaults, - Defence Forces In southern Ukraine, Russian occupation forces are reducing their use of UAVs during days with unfavourable weather conditions, but are increasing the intensity of artillery shelling and may intensify their assault operations. 368 1 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south Use of Russian drones

Fighting in the Orikhiv sector: Russia is preparing assault groups Ruscists are preparing new assault groups to intensify fighting in Orikhiv direction - Southern Defense Forces Russian invaders are preparing new assault groups to intensify attacks in the Orikhiv direction. 567 3 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south Hostilities in the Orikhiv direction

General Staff report Enemy try to break through toward Stepnohirsk in southern direction – Southern Defence Forces Russian units have repeatedly tried to carry out infiltration operations along sections of the front near the settlements of Plavni, Prymorske and Kamyanske, aiming to penetrate into the rear and establish footholds in the suburbs of Stepnohirsk. 626 0 Previously in trend: Hostilities in south