Russian forces have narrowed the opening of a Ukrainian fire pocket near Omelnik in the Zaporozhye region, according to military expert Andrey Marochko. He said Ukrainian commanders are being forced to deploy additional troops to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

Speaking to TASS, Marochko claimed that the remaining gap near the settlement of Svoboda has shrunk to approximately three kilometers. Ukrainian forces are attempting to stabilize the front by bringing in reinforcements and military equipment.

According to the expert, these reserves are being withdrawn from other sectors of the battlefield. He argued that concentrating troops near Omelnik is weakening neighboring defensive positions and creating new gaps in Ukrainian lines.

Meanwhile, Russian military Telegram channels report that units of the Vostok group are advancing west of the Verkhnyaya Tersa River. Russian troops are reportedly expanding their area of control along the T0408 highway, which connects Novonikolayevka, Omelnik and Orekhov.

Military analysts identify Volnyanka, Novorozovka, Novotroitskoye and Vasilevskoye as potential next targets of the Russian offensive. They believe capturing these settlements would help secure the flanks and rear of Russian formations advancing toward Orekhov, one of Ukraine’s main defensive strongholds in the Zaporozhye region.