(HULIAIPOLE, ZAPORIZHZHIA OBLAST, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces have recaptured around 100 square kilometres of territory near Huliaipole following a counterattack on the southern front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to open source analysts and battlefield reports.
The advance followed fighting along the T0401 road, where Ukrainian units pushed south and cleared the settlements of Dobropillia, Pryluky and Olenokostiantynivka, as well as part of Varvarivka. The operation forced Russian troops to abandon positions they had held for nearly two years.
Military observers said Russia had committed an estimated 150,000 soldiers to capture the area during earlier offensives. Ukrainian commanders now describe the recovery of the territory as a significant tactical gain.
Footage circulating online showed a precision guided AASM Hammer bomb striking a building used by Russian forces inside Huliaipole. The weapon, launched from a MiG 29 fighter aircraft, penetrated the roof before detonating inside, causing extensive damage.
Analysts who reviewed the video said geolocation data placed the strike in a contested part of the town, consistent with existing frontline maps. The attack appeared to confirm that Russian units remain under pressure but have not yet been fully expelled from the area.
The settlements lie along a river corridor where Russian troops had earlier established a bridgehead. Ukrainian advances have now disrupted those positions, forcing a withdrawal.
Independent mapping groups had not yet fully updated their data at the time of publication, but preliminary assessments suggested steady Ukrainian progress over several days.
Military commentators described the operation as one of the most substantial Ukrainian counterattacks in the sector in recent months. They said it demonstrated improved coordination between ground forces and air support.
Despite the gains, officials cautioned that the situation remains fluid. Heavy fighting continues south of Huliaipole, and both sides are reinforcing their positions.
Ukrainian commanders said their longer term objective is to drive Russian forces completely out of the town and stabilise the frontline.
The latest advance comes as Kyiv seeks to regain territory lost during earlier Russian offensives and strengthen its position ahead of future operations.
