Ukrainian military expert Konstantin Mashovets has reported that Russian assault groups have reached the outskirts of Orekhov, a key logistics hub in the Zaporozhye Region, where fighting is now underway. Earlier, a Ukrainian serviceman with the call sign Muchnoy had also reported the presence of Russian units near the city.

According to Mashovets, several Russian reconnaissance and sabotage groups advanced along the Uspenskaya Balka about a week ago, moved through Novodanilovka and reached the southeastern part of Orekhov. Small assault units then began moving into the city behind them.

Mashovets said individual Russian groups of two to five soldiers managed to take positions inside buildings in Novodanilovka and establish a foothold on Orekhov’s southeastern outskirts. He identified the area between Privokzalnaya Street and Geroyev ATO Street as one of the sectors where Russian troops had gained positions. Russian servicemen were also reportedly seen in a forest belt between Orekhov and Malaya Tokmachka.

The Ukrainian expert said the local garrison does not have enough forces to completely stop small Russian groups from infiltrating Orekhov. According to his account, Russian infantry is again relying on a previously tested tactic: small groups move from one building to another, secure newly occupied positions and gradually expand their presence.

Mashovets had already warned in the spring of last year that the Russian army was preparing for a large-scale offensive toward Orekhov, which serves as an important logistics hub in the Zaporozhye Region.