Ukrainian forces have driven out Russian intruders in the western part of the Zaporizhzhia region. According to a recent situation report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops have reduced the area controlled by the attackers south of Orikhiv and pushed them back from the city center of Stepnohirsk to the southern outskirts.
A Russian military blogger confirmed the Ukrainian counterattacks, stating that Russian units have lost control of Stepnohirsk. The Ukrainian military observer also reported that Ukrainian troops are holding positions along the Yanchekrak River west and southwest of Orikhiv, indicating that Russian attackers have entered this area but have not been able to establish a permanent presence.
The Russian military blogger added that Ukrainian units have liberated four locations northwest of Orikhiv, including Lukjaniwska, and that they largely control a fifth location, Prymorske. Ukrainian forces have been pushing back the attackers in the western Zaporizhzhia region for a year now.
Geolocated footage, according to ISW, shows that Ukrainian troops have advanced on three additional front sections. Videos depict Russian troops shelling a trench held by Ukraine in a forested area southwest of Serhijiwka near Borova. ISW concludes that there are likely no Russian positions near the Ukrainian strongholds.
Additionally, the attackers have been driven out of the town center of Nykyforiwka south of Sloviansk. Reports from Ukrainian and Russian military observers suggest that Ukrainian forces are fighting around Nykyforiwka and have already liberated the neighboring town of Lypivka. Further footage shows that Ukrainian forces have also made progress in the town center of Illiniwka south of Kostiantynivka.
