Ukraine anticipates Russian breakthrough attempt near Zaporizhzhia’s Orikhiv and Robotyne

Russian forces are preparing for a potential offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, focusing on areas near Orikhiv and Robotyne, according to Ukrainian military officials. The operation, which could commence within days, aims to disrupt crucial supply routes from Zaporizhzhia to the eastern front.

In last year’s failed counteroffensive, the Ukrainian troops liberated a salient south of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This year, the area saw limited action, with Russian efforts focused primarily on the frontal assaults in several areas of Donetsk Oblast.

Vladislav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Defense Forces of the South, stated late on 5 October that Russian forces are forming new assault groups in the Orikhiv direction, Liga reports.

“In the near future, in a few days, the invaders are likely to intensify new assault actions,” Voloshyn said.

The Ukrainian military warns that a Russian breakthrough in the Orikhiv and Mala Tokmachka (Robotyne salient) area could allow the Russian forces to bring Ukrainian logistical routes under fire control. These routes are vital for supplying Ukrainian forces defending the front in Donetsk Oblast and parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Voloshyn explained,

“Therefore, the enemy will try at any cost to take this under control in order to cut off our logistics. That’s why assault actions are ongoing and new ones are being prepared in this direction.”

According to Ukrainian intelligence revealed by Voloshyn, Russia is transferring personnel, conducting reconnaissance, and providing logistical support to prepare new assault groups near Orikhiv and Robotyne.

The Russian forces are reportedly employing a tactic of small assault groups, typically consisting of up to a ten-troop squad. These groups often use small, high-speed vehicles such as motorcycles, buggies, and ATVs to quickly cover the distance to Ukrainian trenches while avoiding mine-explosive barriers.

Voloshyn noted that after such a group enters a trench, the occupiers bring in a reinforcement group. This tactic has brought Russia success in other areas, and they may continue to use it in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The spokesman also reported ongoing counterbattery combat, shelling of defender positions, and Russian strikes on settlements near the front line. In the past 24 hours alone, occupiers carried out over 400 such shellings and strikes in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

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