Ukraine's dire frontline situation in Zaporizhzhia under Russian assault

The situation at the front in the Zaporizhzhia region in southern Ukraine is extremely tense. The Russians are constantly bombarding Ukrainian positions with artillery and aviation, reported Konstantin Denisov, spokesperson for the "Freedom Legion," on Espreso TV. He added that building fortifications in the open area is very dangerous under these circumstances.

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The situation in the Zaporizhzhia region is tense and difficult, with the enemy attacking under the cover of aviation and artillery. The Russian storm infantry is putting heavy pressure on us, trying to dislodge us from our positions. Despite continuous artillery duels and Russian planes constantly bombarding our positions, especially targeting armored equipment, we are holding on, Denisov reported.

The situation is critically tense and complex. Indeed, the soldier added that the enemy's objective is to recapture all the areas and positions lost during the Ukrainian forces' counter-offensive in the second half of 2023.

Denisov also mentioned that along the front in the Zaporizhzhia region, the effort to build fortifications, a topic that Ukrainian authorities have discussed for weeks, is progressing. "Of course, this is not happening quickly. We must understand that certain objective circumstances influence this. Our people are forced to construct fortifications while under the threat of Russian drones overhead and incoming rockets from Grads (BM-21 launchers - ed.) and so-called heavy flamethrowers TOS-1A 'Solntsepek.' It's crucial to understand that the Zaporizhzhia region is mostly steppe, requiring us to construct fortifications in the open field," the military officer emphasized.

According to reports from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russians are making very slow progress in the areas around Robotyne and Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region, gradually pushing Ukrainian forces out of territories captured during last year's offensive.

"Freedom Legion" is a combat unit created by members of the extreme right-wing Ukrainian party Svoboda in 2015.

Source: Espreso/ISW