Massive Russian push toward Zaporizhia crushed by Ukrainian drone power.

Today, the biggest news comes from Ukraine.

Russia has been trying to advance toward Zaporizhia city since the start of the full-scale war. However, Ukrainian drone control extends kilometers deep in this sector, and any assault is being destroyed on the approaches.

Russia currently controls 70% of Zaporizhia Oblast, and its strategic goal is to take the rest of the oblast and the regional capital. Zaporizhia city is a major logistical hub, with a pre-war population of 700,000. Notably, it is located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, so capturing it would allow the Russians to cross the river and overcome this natural barrier. It would open the possibility for Russia to advance westward toward Odessa and northward toward Dnipro city. However, first, Russia needs to take the remaining villages south of the town.

Russia’s operational goal is to take Orikhiv, as without it, they cannot advance further north toward Komyshuvakha. Orikhiv is a small town that could serve as a staging ground, and Russians need to capture it if they want to bring Zaporizhia city within tube artillery range, which would allow them to bombard the city and pressure Ukrainian logistics, allowing for a continued advance.

From the southeast, Russian forces are attempting to storm Ukrainian positions and infiltrate the outskirts of Mala Tokmachka. There is virtually no cover in this part of the frontline, only large open fields with very few tree lines. Because of this, Russians are attacking with small assault groups and heavily rely on a large number of drones to strike Ukrainian logistics.

The Russian 70th Motorized Rifle Regiment operates in this sector, but the Russian high command has also dispatched elite units such as the 328th Airborne VDV Regiment, marking their effort to push forward and take ground before the mud season begins. Their main advantage is that Ukraine has a manpower shortage, as infantry is prioritized for more intense battles in other sectors, which leaves its defense lines here undermanned, allowing the Russians to find weak spots. Russians have supply lines approaching Orikhiv from 3 sides, allowing them to put pressure on Ukrainians from 3 sides as well. Their control over key towns and railway nodes inside the occupied area also provides staging points and logistical hubs.

If we take a look at the topographical map, Russia has also seized key elevations, providing observation points, better fields of fire, and control over approaches. With these positions on the high ground, they can assault on even ground, giving them better chances of survival.

Ukrainian forces have constructed three lines of defensive fortifications to stop the Russian advance. Located on a critical hill ridge, it forces attackers to assault uphill and gives defenders a better vantage point. These lines include concrete bunkers, reinforced trenches, and extensive minefields. Additionally, anti-tank ditches and strategically placed dragon’s teeth anti-tank obstacles serve as barriers to armored assaults, which lead to limited and predictable attack paths. Drone coverage is extensive, with reconnaissance drones detecting movements deep behind enemy lines and coordinating with artillery and FPV units to eliminate threats before they reach the zero line.

Geolocated footage shows how the Russians attempted to mount an assault involving light armored vehicles with drone protection welded on them. Constant Ukrainian drone surveillance allowed defenders to spot the armored column 7 kilometers behind the contact line, north of Verbove. Ukrainian artillery rained hell on them while drone units of the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade picked them off one by one.

As a result of the ensuing carnage, two armored vehicles were destroyed amidst the wrecks of several previously failed attacks. Some of the attacking soldiers survived the initial engagement and managed to escape their immobilized vehicles, but they were hunted down by FPV drones as well.

Overall, Russia’s goal of taking Orikhiv, let alone Zaporizhia city, under control is being thwarted by Ukrainian defenders. The combination of defense lines construction, effective usage of geographical features, and active surveillance is proving to be vital in this sector to prevent a breakthrough. Drone surveillance with extended ranges also provides a live feed to the commanders and FPV drone pilots to analyze enemy movement kilometers before they reach the frontline, and they could start engaging Ukrainian positions.

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