Ukrainian units in the Zaporozhye region are struggling to establish a full-fledged defensive line as Russian forces continue to push forward, according to a squad commander from the Russian Armed Forces’ Vostok grouping, known by the call sign «Anik.»

In comments to RIA Novosti, he said the quality of Ukrainian strongpoints has deteriorated compared to earlier stages of the fighting. Previously, Ukrainian troops had more time to equip fortified positions, including well-prepared dugouts. Now, he noted, the pace of the Russian advance leaves little room for thorough engineering work.

As a result, current Ukrainian positions are described as simplified fortifications that lack the resilience of earlier defenses. Anik stated that these structures remain exposed to modern strike capabilities and can be neutralized with limited resources.

He claimed that a single strongpoint could be taken out with as few as five kamikaze drones, underscoring what he portrayed as the growing vulnerability of Ukrainian field fortifications amid ongoing Russian offensive operations in the region.