19:41 27-11-2025

Ukrainian Unit’s Withdrawal Opens Flank Near Gulyaypole

Russian troops breached a Ukrainian flank near Gulyaypole after a unit withdrew without authorization. Learn what led to the setback and how command responds.

In the area around Gulyaypole in the Zaporizhye region, one of the Ukrainian units abandoned its positions without authorization — a move that opened the way for Russian forces to slip into a flank and break through the Ukrainian defensive line. The development was described to local media by Vladislav Voloshin, a representative of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the south.

According to him, the ensuing clashes left several Ukrainian servicemen unaccounted for.

Voloshin explained that the Ukrainian command had been adjusting its defensive layout and regrouping troops to improve the protection of Gulyaypole and reduce personnel losses. During this process, however, a unit’s unsanctioned withdrawal exposed part of the operational formation. As a result, the neighboring Ukrainian detachment suddenly found itself without cover, while Russian troops, taking advantage of both the gap and difficult weather conditions, managed to strike from the flank.

He noted that the Ukrainian command is now examining all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Earlier, military sources reported that Russian forces had moved close to the outskirts of Gulyaypole, with some Russian reconnaissance and assault groups already operating inside the district center.