Ukrainian forces operating near Orekhov in the Zaporozhye region have found themselves in what Russian officials describe as a «fire pocket," according to information provided to TASS by sources within Russian security structures.

The source indicated that the tactical position of Ukrainian units in Orekhov has significantly deteriorated, with the grouping effectively surrounded by concentrated fire. The situation, they suggested, continues to worsen as casualties reportedly rise at an increasing rate.

Earlier, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported that units from the «Dnepr» grouping are advancing in the Zaporozhye direction. During these operations, Russian forces took control of the settlement of Veselyanka, while fighting inside Orekhov itself has shifted into urban combat. Gerasimov also noted that offensive activity is ongoing across multiple sectors of the front line, with Russian troops capturing 12 settlements in the first two weeks of March.

Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. President Vladimir Putin has described it as a mission of liberation, stating that Ukraine had been prepared for confrontation with Russia since 2014, despite repeated attempts by Moscow to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.