Russia moves to cut vital route for Ukrainian defense - ISW
The enemy attempts to encircle Hulyaipole (Photo: REUTERS / Aleksandr Ratushniak)
The situation around Hulyaipole in Zaporizhzhya Oblast is gradually deteriorating, though Russia will likely need more time to prepare for a full attempt to seize the town, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on Nov. 13.
Russian troops are likely trying to isolate and encircle Hulyaipole from the northeast as part of a new operational concept aimed at wearing down Ukraine’s defenses through infiltration tactics. The strategy involves a prolonged campaign of rear-area strikes to complicate Ukrainian resupply, targeting logistics hubs and drone operators, and probing local weaknesses before launching small-group assaults designed to force Ukrainian units to withdraw.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyy said on Nov. 12 that conditions near Hulyaipole and Oleksandrivka (Velykomykhailivka) had “significantly worsened.” Russian forces are using severe weather conditions to move between Ukrainian positions and have already captured three settlements.
Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn confirmed Ukrainian troops had withdrawn from positions near Novouspenivske and Nove (northeast of Hulyaipole), while fighting continues for Rivnopillia, Yablukove, and Solodke.
The Southern Operational Command said on Nov. 11 that combined Russian strikes destroyed Ukrainian defenses near Rivnopillia and forced a pullback.
Russian milbloggers claim Moscow’s troops have advanced northeast of Yablukove, west of Rybne, south of Solodke, and west of Nove, though minefields are reportedly slowing them down.
ISW noted that for months Russian forces have conducted a campaign against Ukraine’s ground communications — roads, highways, and rail lines — along the Hulyaipole and Velykomykhailivka axes.
This mirrors earlier operations against Pokrovsk, which began in spring 2025 and paved the way for the autumn offensive. Analysts said Moscow has recently intensified infiltration efforts and achieved limited local gains near Hulyaipole. Russian sources also claimed one of their objectives is to cut the T-0401 Pokrovske–Hulyaipole highway (connecting Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk oblast).
Three Russian combined-arms armies are reportedly involved. Units of the 5th Army (Eastern Military District) are advancing from the northeast and east, likely attempting to cut the T-0401 road and create a smaller encirclement. ISW believes Russian command could pursue a wider envelopment, but it would require more time and resources. The 29th Army operates north of the 5th, between Velyka Mykhailivka and Pokrovske, while the 35th Army is deployed farther south near Myrne, though it has not launched active assaults. Ukrainian positions south of Hulyaipole remain well fortified, making a near-term offensive there unlikely.
ISW earlier noted that Russia’s renewed offensive toward Hulyaipole became possible after months of strikes on Ukrainian logistics and exploitation of foggy weather that limits drone surveillance.
Analysts said Russian troops are systematically targeting transport infrastructure, using infiltration tactics, and attempting to cut off key Ukrainian supply routes.
On Nov. 12, the DeepState monitoring project reported that Russian forces had occupied Novouspenivske in Zaporizhzhya Oblast and advanced toward Solodke, Rivnopillia, and Yablukove.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
