Russia launches major offensive on one frontline sector: Military reports on situation

The Huliaipole stretch of the front in the Zaporizhzhia region has become one of the toughest today. Force ratios here are roughly one to eight. Ukrainian infantry continues to hold, while pilots from the 154th Mechanized Brigade have converted their heavy bombers into the only reliable “lifeline.”

TSN correspondent Oleksandr Motorniy visited drone positions under constant enemy air assault.

War in Ukraine: Situation near Huliaipole

The road to the frontline under Huliaipole is heavily damaged, with constant risk from enemy aircraft. Logistics is nearly paralyzed.

Because ground transport is impossible, heavy bomber crews carry most of the supply burden.

Pilots face brutal conditions as Russian aircraft continuously strike Ukrainian positions with guided bombs.

“Cruzak,” commander of the strike drone platoon, said: “We hit a record in our sector — 68 guided bombs in one day. That’s 11 groups. They bombed Huliaipole and Zaliznychne densely. Aircraft were flying non-stop, every 15 minutes.”

Between strikes, crews must prepare their aircraft. The mission today is not just bombing, but also saving lives.

Elite Russian airborne against “heavy shots”

In the Orikhiv direction, Russian reinforcements from Pokrovsk — units of the 76th Air Assault Division — have been deployed. These are professional fighters, equipped with electronic warfare tools.

"Cruzak" recalls encountering the unit: “They were prepared, a standalone group. One had EW gear, others had shovels, a third had a net launcher. They were ready to counter FPV drones and even downed two of ours. But when the bomber was launched, two bombs wiped the group out.”

The situation in Huliaipole remains extremely severe. Ukrainian forces urgently need drone system components to balance the enemy’s manpower advantage.