(HULIAIPOLE, ZAPORIZHZHIA OBLAST, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces have intensified their counterattack near Huliaipole after a cyber operation exposed Russian positions and disrupted frontline communications in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to open source analysts and battlefield reports.
Maps published by Russian military bloggers showed Ukrainian units penetrating several kilometres into Russian held areas along the Zaporizhzhia axis. The advances followed reported disruptions to satellite and messaging services used by Russian forces to relay battlefield information.
Military observers said the loss of reliable access to satellite communications linked to SpaceX’s Starlink system, combined with restrictions on messaging platforms, had reduced coordination between Russian drone operators, artillery units and field commanders.
Analysts reported that Ukrainian cyber units had created fake online services promising to restore Russian access to Starlink. Russian soldiers were persuaded to provide passwords, terminal data and precise locations. Ukrainian authorities said more than 2,400 data packages were obtained, including detailed troop positions.
The information was passed to Ukrainian artillery and drone units, leading to a series of targeted strikes on command posts and logistics sites. Officials said several collaborators inside Ukraine were also identified and reported to security agencies.
Independent analysts said Ukrainian troops had secured control of three villages that were previously in contested areas, signalling steady territorial gains. The advances were supported by concentrated artillery fire along river valleys and high ground overlooking Russian positions.
Video footage circulating online also showed an incident in which a Russian drone struck soldiers who appeared to be surrendering while being escorted by Ukrainian troops. Kyiv has accused Moscow of discouraging surrender and placing its own troops at risk.
Data reviewed by military researchers indicated that in January 2026 Russian casualties exceeded recruitment for the first time since 2022, leading to a net decline in troop numbers. Estimates suggested losses of about 30,000 personnel against recruitment of roughly 21,000.
At the same time, Russia has continued to expand artillery shell production and stockpiles, relying heavily on mass shelling rather than precision strikes. Western officials said this reflected Moscow’s ongoing dependence on large volume firepower.
Russian authorities have also restricted access to online platforms including Telegram and Meta Platforms’s WhatsApp, limiting information flows for both civilians and soldiers. Frontline units have reportedly been forced to rely on radio communications, slowing response times.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian long range drones struck an oil refinery near Ukhta, about 1,700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Satellite imagery showed damage to key processing units, forcing a shutdown of operations.
The strike triggered long queues at fuel stations in surrounding areas, reflecting public concern over possible shortages.
Ukrainian officials said the combined use of cyber operations, electronic warfare and precision strikes had created operational advantages on several fronts. They stressed that fighting remained intense and that Russian forces were continuing to reinforce positions.
Kyiv has said its objective is to sustain pressure on Russian logistics and communications while expanding territorial control in southern and eastern Ukraine.
