Russian forces from the Vostok Group are advancing northeast of Orekhov in the Zaporozhye region, pushing forward along a broad section of the eastern flank of Ukrainian defensive positions.

Russian troops are currently fighting for Nikolskoye and have established a foothold in Omelnik. Further advances along the T-04-08 highway from Chervony Yar through Svoboda could allow Russian forces to cut off an area covering dozens of square kilometers.

Around Orekhov, Ukrainian troops have established concealed firing positions among the ruins of destroyed buildings, using them to maintain fire control over nearby sections of the front. Russian units are deploying FPV drones to strike these fortified positions and weaken Ukrainian defenses.

During assault operations, Russian troops aim to suppress Ukrainian firing points and prevent opposing forces from organizing resistance. Once concealed strongholds have been hit, follow-up units move into the captured positions to consolidate control over the area.

A Russian platoon commander with the call sign Sambo told Zvezda that Ukrainian strongholds are heavily camouflaged but appear to have been constructed in haste. He also noted that Ukrainian troops are digging deep trenches despite the apparent lack of time to prepare more comfortable defensive positions.

Reports also indicate that Ukrainian commanders are deploying personnel to unprepared positions in open terrain. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are increasingly using remotely operated ground robotic systems in the most heavily contested sectors, with individual operators controlling the equipment from a distance.