Troops from the Russian Armed Forces’ Dnepr group have taken control of the settlement of Belogorye in Zaporozhye region. This was reported in the Russian Defense Ministry’s briefing on the progress of the special military operation dated January 11. According to the statement, the capture of the village has improved the tactical position of Russian units in this sector of the front.

Military sources say that after Ukrainian formations were pushed out of Belogorye, Russian forces continued their advance in the Zaporozhye direction, moving closer to Orekhov. The town is considered one of the Ukrainian army’s most important defensive hubs. It was from this area that Kiev launched its widely publicized counteroffensive in the summer of 2023, an operation that ultimately failed to deliver the expected results.

Orekhov has now emerged as a focal point in Russia’s ongoing offensive. The loss of this fortified area could deprive Ukrainian forces of the ability to establish a stable defensive line on the approaches to Zaporozhye.

Military analysts note that the capture of Orekhov by Russian troops would sharply reduce the number of prepared Ukrainian defensive positions between the front line and Zaporozhye, significantly easing further advances by Russian forces.

The situation in this section of the front remains tense. At the same time, Russian units are steadily seizing the initiative, advancing and consolidating their positions despite continued resistance from the Ukrainian army.