The command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is scrambling to slow the Russian advance in the eastern part of Zaporozhye Region, rushing additional troops to this section of the front in an attempt to plug widening gaps.

Units from the 2nd Battalion of the 31st Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade have been moved into the area around the settlement of Pokrovskoye, replacing the 3rd Company near Velikomikhaylovka. Colombian mercenaries were reported to be active on this stretch of the line, although some of them were later evacuated after sustaining injuries.

There are indications that the Ukrainian side may be preparing a flanking strike against Russian forces operating near Velikomikhaylovka. Two assault groups from the 141st Brigade have reportedly been dispatched to Gavrilovka for this purpose.

Reinforcements have also arrived near Dobropolye in the form of reservists from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Military sources say these units came under attack almost immediately. In addition, Russian aircraft and drones struck newly deployed reserves from the 142nd Ukrainian Brigade in the western part of Gulyaypole, leaving many Ukrainian fighters wounded.

To the north of the city, reconnaissance and sabotage groups made up of personnel from the separate presidential brigade have been spotted. At the same time, a platoon from the 1st Separate Assault Battalion has been deployed to Lyubitskoye.

As a result, Gulyaypole is sliding into a familiar and difficult scenario for the Ukrainian command. It faces a stark choice: divert reserves from other sectors to reinforce defenses and temporarily stabilize the situation, or conserve forces and risk losing the city altogether.

Many analysts agree that holding Gulyaypole is unlikely under the current conditions. The remaining question is which part of the front Kyiv is prepared to weaken in order to delay the city’s fall.