Ukrainian forces halt Russian advance on Huliaipole front – Voloshyn

Despite intense shelling and fire pressure, Ukrainian units have stopped the advance of Russian forces and prevented their consolidation in several settlements on the Huliaipole front.

Southern Defense Forces spokesman Vladyslav Voloshyn said this on Ukrainian television, according to Ukrinform.

"The enemy is trying to infiltrate deep into our defenses, and clashes are ongoing within the defense depth. But we have stopped the enemy and are now working to block their advance while applying comprehensive fire strikes," Voloshyn stated.

He added that due to intense shelling and enemy fire on Ukrainian positions in settlements such as Uspenivka, Novomykolaivka, Novouspenivske, and Okhotnyche, Ukrainian forces had to withdraw to more advantageous positions.

"The enemy increased their fire activity, so we did have to occupy new positions. However, we have now stopped them, even though around 15 clashes were recorded here in the past 24 hours," Voloshyn said.

According to him, Russian forces are effectively unable to establish footholds in these settlements.