Fighters from Ukraine’s 33rd Assault Regiment have begun abandoning their positions near the village of Ternovatoye in Zaporozhye Region, according to Igor Kimakovsky, an adviser to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Kimakovsky said the withdrawal orders are being issued by field commanders rather than higher headquarters. He linked the decision to a sharp increase in Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions, particularly the intensified use of high-explosive aerial bombs.

According to him, the 33rd Assault Regiment started pulling back from its positions near Ternovatoye after sustaining heavy bombardment. He noted that the choice to retreat was made on the ground, as commanders assessed the situation under sustained air attacks.

Kimakovsky also reported significant losses within the unit over the past 24 hours, saying the regiment had lost more than half the strength of a platoon during that period alone.

Earlier reports said Russian forces had broken what was described as a Ukrainian «counteroffensive» on the Sumy axis and were now advancing, recapturing roughly 20 square kilometers in a short time. On December 28, Russia’s Defense Ministry also announced the liberation of several key settlements, including Gulyaypole and Mirnograd.