Open steppe and new threat: Why the South becomes Ukraine’s most perilous front

The most dangerous situation for Ukrainian defenders is currently in the south. Open steppe terrain and a lack of Ukrainian infantry have created an opportunity for Russian forces, which they have moved to exploit.

The enemy has made noticeable advances towards Zaporizhzhia. It is clear that the aim is to move within range of artillery fire on the regional centre and turn the lives of civilians into a daily ordeal.

For more details on the frontline, see TSN.Tyzhden.

The occupiers are engaged in fighting around Huliaipole, attempting to outflank the strategically key town from the south and north. The grey zone around Huliaipole is expanding rapidly. Ukrainian forces have stopped the enemy’s advance towards the village of Ternuvate. A group of Russian assault soldiers who entered the settlement to raise a tricolour flag was destroyed. Survivors unexpectedly surrendered to a ground-based robot, one of the first instances of its kind in the war.

According to the military, the enemy’s tactics remain simple but effective.

«Their tactics are quite straightforward. They disrupt logistics. You can’t reach your position. You can’t bring food, fuel, or replace equipment, ” says „Vlad“, an officer in the 225th Separate Assault Regiment’s drone unit.

To stabilize the situation, the 225th Assault Regiment was deployed to the sector. Drone operators managed to slow the enemy’s advance.

«They deploy their infantry 15–20 kilometres ahead, and they have to march on foot, ” the officer adds.

Meanwhile, these units have become a key target for the enemy. «Shahed» drones continuously hover over their positions, while Russian aircraft drop dozens of guided bombs every day in an attempt to destroy UAV command posts. Drones are able to stop even infantry assaults.

«You can send ten or twenty FPVs, but if the enemy is in cover, they won’t reach him. And a ten-kilogram bomb from a bomber above — that’s it. He stands by the tree and stays there, ” says „Sasha“, a heavy bomber operator with the 225th Assault Regiment.

Despite the enemy’s numerical superiority, the 225th Assault Regiment is working to establish and maintain a defensive line near Huliaipole.

«Things are now somewhat calmer than when we arrived, ” says „Vitaliy“, a Bradley IFV commander.

The regiment’s artillery destroys targets from long range where the enemy is massing forces for assaults. However, under favourable weather conditions, the enemy can approach to small-arms range, meaning the equipment must remain in constant readiness.

«It’s important that the equipment is always combat-ready, ” stresses Mykhailo, a gunner on a Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.

Bradley IFVs have become one of the key elements of defense in this sector. They perform critical tasks — providing cover, suppressing enemy firing positions and evacuating Ukrainian infantry.

As correspondent Andrii Tsaplienko notes, every sortie by these vehicles is a test. Without the Bradleys — and, above all, without their crews — holding positions would be far more difficult.

These vehicles are more manoeuvrable than Russian equipment and better withstand FPV drone strikes, allowing them to break through the so-called «kill zone» and conduct infantry rotations. In a drone- and infantry-centric war, this has become a decisive advantage.

«You have to get the guys out. If evacuating the infantry is your goal, then nothing is frightening, ” the gunner says.