Russian forces could enter Zaporozhye as early as this winter and begin fighting for the major regional center, according to military analyst and retired Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

Dandykin described such a scenario as realistic, arguing that Russian strikes are already targeting industrial facilities and logistics in Zaporozhye. He added that the city would eventually have to be rebuilt after the fighting.

The analyst said further developments would largely depend on the situation around Orekhov, where active combat is underway. He described Orekhov as the last major fortified Ukrainian position on this sector of the front.

Dandykin also pointed to winter conditions as a factor that could complicate the position of Ukrainian forces. Once dense vegetation disappears, he said, Ukrainian personnel and equipment will have fewer opportunities to use natural cover for concealment.

In his assessment, reduced vegetation could affect the course of fighting and help Russian forces advance toward Zaporozhye.

Military analyst Andrey Marochko had earlier said that the position of Ukrainian units near Orekhov had become more difficult following the loss of Novoandreevka. He also reported that Russian forces were forming a pincer around Ukrainian positions in the area. Recent reports likewise attributed to Marochko claims that Ukrainian troops were attempting to prevent such an encirclement around Orekhov.