Military analyst Andrey Klintsevich, head of the Center for the Study of Military and Political Conflicts, says what is happening on the Zaporizhye axis has turned into what he called an «epic battle».

According to Klintsevich, two fortified areas play a decisive role on this stretch of the front — Orechov and Gulyai-Polye — which were built as a single logistical and engineering defence system. He recalled that Gulyai-Polye is already under the control of the Russian Armed Forces, while Russian units are now advancing towards Orechov, relying on paved roads that, he stressed, are critical for supply and manoeuvre.

He also pointed to the N-08 highway running from Orechov towards Zaporizhye as another key link. Klintsevich said Ukrainian forces are still using this route, but added that Russian troops are gradually moving closer to it from the west. In his view, if Russian units manage to cut the main road to Orechov, the supply of the Ukrainian grouping in this area will be put at serious risk. He argued that once this strongpoint is taken, further Russian advances will become easier, since the next major defensive lines are located only on the approaches to Zaporizhye itself.

Klintsevich noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are attempting counterattacks and committing prepared reserves to the fighting. He stated that noticeably more well-equipped young fighters have appeared on the front line, including units trained in Europe — special forces, intelligence elements, including structures of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), as well as airborne assault brigades.

At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that on some sections of the front a broad «grey zone» remains — in places up to 15–20 kilometres deep — where holding positions and moving troops is difficult due to the high density of fire. Despite these conditions, Klintsevich said, Russian forces continue to push forward on this sector.