Russia Attempts to Break Through to Zaporizhzhia Suburbs: Is the Regional Capital at Risk?

Russian forces use the dried Kakhovka Reservoir to advance toward Zaporizhzhia outskirts, attempting infiltration. Ukrainian defenders repel attacks, while drones and strikes turn Malokaterynivka into a frontline settlement.

The occupiers are using the shallow bottom of the Kakhovka Reservoir as a route for sabotage groups, trying to approach the regional center.

Russian occupation forces continue attempts to get closer to the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia. The enemy has already made isolated attempts to enter the village of Malokaterynivka (Kushuhum community), which is effectively the southern suburb of the regional center.

This was reported by the spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn, in a comment to LIGA.net, according to TSN.

According to the analytical portal DeepState, the so-called “gray zone” has already reached close proximity to Malokaterynivka. The spokesperson confirmed that the situation is difficult, although “there is still some distance to the enemy.”

The occupiers are exploiting the ecological disaster for their own benefit. After the destruction of the Kakhovka Reservoir, new routes opened up for infantry.

“Mostly, there are dacha settlements there and no large permanent buildings. Enemy infiltration groups are trying to enter and advance as far as possible, taking advantage of the fact that the Kakhovka Reservoir is gone and they can move ‘along the bottom,’” Voloshyn explained.

The military official noted that some groups attempted to move along the bottom of the former reservoir, cross the Konka River, and enter the village from the east.

Ukrainian defenders are actively countering the new Russian tactics. According to the spokesperson, several combat clashes have already been recorded during enemy breakthrough attempts.

“We conduct reconnaissance-search and strike-search operations, destroying such groups,” Voloshyn assured.

Currently, active fighting is also ongoing in the settlements of Plavni and Prymorske. The latter is being targeted by the enemy for full control, aiming to use it as a staging ground to concentrate assault groups and advance toward Stepnohirsk.

In addition to ground assaults, Malokaterynivka is suffering from aerial reconnaissance and strikes. It has effectively become a frontline settlement. A large number of Russian drones constantly patrol the skies above the village, and their numbers are increasing daily.

The main Russian objective in this direction remains unchanged — to get as close as possible to the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia and establish positions on new lines.

It is worth noting that part of the city of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia region remains under Russian control. The Russians have a significant advantage in manpower and weaponry but have not captured the city. In Huliaipole, the Defense Forces continue to hold the line, while the enemy attempts to push Ukrainian troops from their positions despite heavy losses.