ISW: Ukraine counterattacks amid Russian comms blackout
Ukrainian forces are conducting localized counterattacks in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhya oblasts (Photo: General Staff)
Ukrainian forces are conducting localized counterattacks near the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhya oblasts, taking advantage of disrupted Russian communications caused by the blocking of Starlink and Telegram, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on Feb. 12.
Analysis of geolocated footage shows Ukrainian positions east and south of Dobropillya and north of Varvarivka in the Hulyaipole sectors, suggesting Ukrainian forces are maintaining control and conducting localized counterattacks to reconnect these frontline positions to each other. Russian forces likely bypassed these Ukrainian positions during infiltration missions to exaggerate the extent of Russian gains in the area.
Limited Ukrainian counterattacks in the area have been recorded since at least Feb. 9. Russian military bloggers initially described the operations as a broad “counteroffensive,” though Ukrainian sources clarified they were more limited.
Russian reports claim Defense Forces are advancing north and northwest of Hulyaipole, but the actual ground situation remains unclear amid deteriorating communications.
The blocking of Starlink terminals and Telegram is affecting Russian troops. “New complicating factors” reported by Russian military bloggers include the Feb. 9 ban on Telegram, previously used by frontline enemy forces for coordination. Analysts suggest Ukrainian counterattacks are exploiting these disruptions.
On Feb. 12, military expert Kostyantyn Mashovets confirmed successful Ukrainian counteroffensive actions at the junction of Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts and south of Zaporizhzhya. Russian sources acknowledged that Ukrainians had “launched a serious offensive” and “managed to break through Russian defenses,” according to the BBC.
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