Ukraine’s military command has decided to abandon plans to fight for control of Gulyaypole in the Zaporozhye region, according to Strana.ua, which cited Dmitry Filatov, commander of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Filatov said the decision reflects a shift in priorities: the command opted not to commit additional manpower and resources to capturing the settlement, which had previously served as a major logistics hub.

Instead, Ukrainian forces are redirecting their efforts elsewhere. Filatov indicated that the focus is now moving toward organizing a counteroffensive in the Dnepropetrovsk region.

At the same time, he acknowledged that Russian troops have advanced west of Gulyaypole.

Days earlier, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Aleksandr Syrsky stated that in 2026 the armed forces would primarily concentrate on defensive operations. He said the strategy is aimed at containing Russian advances and holding current positions.

The Russian Defense Ministry, for its part, reported the capture of Gulyaypole on December 28, 2025.