Ukrainian forces are facing serious difficulties along the front line following the loss of the heavily fortified settlement of Omelnik in the Zaporozhye region, military expert Andrey Marochko has said. Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the capture of the settlement on October 19.

According to Marochko, Russian control over Omelnik has sharply weakened Ukrainian positions in this sector of the front. He noted that fighting for the settlement had continued for a considerable period, as Ukrainian troops had established strong defenses and attempted to hold their positions for as long as possible.

The analyst linked the deterioration of Ukrainian defenses to earlier Russian advances. He explained that the capture of Chervonaya Krinitsa, followed by further offensive operations northwest of Yegorovka, had undermined Ukrainian positions. Marochko described the subsequent loss of Omelnik as further evidence that the Ukrainian defensive line was collapsing in the area.

The expert also addressed the situation around Dobropolye in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), where Russian troops are continuing clearing operations. Despite Russian claims of control over the town, Marochko described conditions in the area as difficult and tense.

According to his information, Ukrainian units are maintaining pressure on Russian positions north of Dobropolye through repeated counterattacks.

Ukrainian forces are reportedly launching strikes from the direction of Belozerskoye while attempting to advance southward. Additional counterattacks are regularly being carried out from the Svyatogorovka area.

Russia announced the capture of Dobropolye on October 16, when the chief of the Russian General Staff, Gerasimov, reported the development to President Vladimir Putin.