Russian forces attempt to seize Stepnohirsk, may launch assault toward Orikhiv – Voloshyn

Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, said this on Ukrainian television, Ukrinform reports.

"They [Russian troops] are trying to enter and take control of the settlement of Stepnohirsk. They are infiltrating it via the main road leading into the village. The Defense Forces are carrying out counterattacks and search-and-strike operations, destroying these groups, but we have also begun to record an increase in the number of assault actions and infiltration groups there on a daily basis. Accordingly, the number of combat engagements has increased," Voloshyn said.

He added that enemy activity has intensified near the settlements of Stepnohirsk, Plavni, and Prymorske.

In addition, there has been some enemy activity on another axis near Orikhiv, where the settlements of Mali Shcherbaky, Shcherbaky, and Mala Tokmachka are located.

"According to our intelligence, the enemy has moved assault group personnel to forward positions. It is likely that in the coming days they will also begin active assault operations toward Orikhiv," Voloshyn said.

Earlier reports said that on the southern front, Russian forces continue active assault operations on the Huliaipole and Oleksandrivka axes, while simultaneously preparing for combat in winter conditions, including receiving white camouflage suits for assault operations.