War correspondent Alexander Sladkov has outlined the challenges Russian forces are facing in the Zaporozhye region, pointing in particular to what he describes as a shift in the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ defensive tactics.

He acknowledged that military thinking is evolving on both sides, noting that the adversary is also adapting rather than standing still.

According to Sladkov, Russian troops continue to advance toward Zaporozhye slowly but steadily. At the same time, Ukrainian units are mounting determined resistance. He reports that they are withdrawing to pre-prepared positions and reinforcing them with layered defensive structures, including trenches, concrete «dragon’s teeth», and razor wire known as «egoza».

Sladkov describes the wide степи of Zaporozhye as a genuine kill zone. In such open terrain, he argues, infantry and military equipment have almost no cover and can be spotted from a considerable distance.

He adds that Russian forces are approaching defensive lines that were constructed methodically and incorporate new technologies, concluding that the opposing side has become more tactically sophisticated.

As a result, Russian assault units must overcome multiple barriers, expending strength before even reaching the trenches. Sladkov suggests that the only effective countermeasure is to strike Ukrainian fortifications at the earliest stages of their construction.