Ukraine Forces Successful Counterattack Near Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Ukrainian forces have reportedly made tactical gains in the Zaporizhzhia region, reclaiming positions near the village of Stepnohirsk, a strategically important location as Russian forces attempt to advance towards the city of Zaporizhzhia. The operation, prepared over approximately two weeks, was aided by low temperatures and dense fog, according to Ukrainian military sources.
The counterattack, carried out by a unit of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), focused on improving the defensive posture in the face of ongoing Russian offensives. A soldier with the HUR, identified only as “Artan,” stated that the operation was successful, with no reported casualties or equipment losses on the Ukrainian side.
“Considering that no one had been there for six months, there were a lot of mines along the road. The number of enemy forces in these key areas, where our troops landed, was quite significant. But every occupier who was in that area was either destroyed or taken prisoner,” said a soldier known as “Svit” in an interview with Kanal 24, as reported by Ukrainian media.
The challenging terrain, heavily mined roads, required extensive preparation. “The most difficult thing was the heavily mined road. First of all, it was necessary to clear it. During the two weeks of preparation, we paid a lot of attention to this road, detecting and clearing mines using drones,” “Svit” explained. The Ukrainian forces opted to utilize wheeled vehicles rather than tracked ones, prioritizing quieter movement to achieve surprise.
Stepnohirsk, once home to approximately 4,300 residents before the full-scale invasion, now has a population of around 100, has become a focal point in the conflict. Its proximity – 25 kilometers south of Zaporizhzhia – makes it a critical position for Russia, as control of the village would allow for artillery and drone strikes on the city.
The Russian offensive towards Stepnohirsk has involved a substantial commitment of troops, with reports indicating the deployment of around 20,000 soldiers, including elite airborne and motorized infantry divisions, as well as special forces brigades. This significant force is facing resistance from Ukrainian special forces, territorial defense units and drone operators, in an estimated ratio of seven to one.
The intensity of the fighting has led to grim assessments of the lifespan of mobilized Russian soldiers in the area. One officer from the “FERRATA” unit, a Ukrainian reconnaissance and counterattack group, reportedly stated, “I think the average lifespan of a mobilized Russian here is about 12 minutes, no more.” The officer also estimated the cost of eliminating a single Russian soldier at approximately $5,000 to $6,000, factoring in ammunition, and resources.
The “FERRATA” unit is actively engaged in reconnaissance, counterattacks, and disrupting Russian advances, pushing back against attempts to establish forward positions. The group’s efforts are focused on preventing the Russians from overcoming the natural barrier presented by the Kinsk River, which lies between Stepnohirsk and Zaporizhzhia.
The potential loss of Stepnohirsk is viewed by Ukrainian officials as a significant threat. A senior officer and commander within the “FERRATA” unit warned that its fall would “allow the enemy to overcome the natural barrier, attack with artillery and drones, and shell Zaporizhzhia around the clock. This will cause panic among the civilian population and a humanitarian crisis. This will create conditions for the occupation of Zaporizhzhia and the loss of the region’s center.”
The current situation underscores the fierce competition for control of territory in eastern Ukraine, and the high cost of the conflict for both sides. The Ukrainian counterattack near Stepnohirsk represents a localized effort to stabilize the front line and prevent further Russian advances towards a major urban center. The reliance on drones for mine clearance and reconnaissance highlights the evolving nature of warfare in the region, and the importance of technological capabilities in achieving tactical advantages.
– The battle for Stepnohirsk continues to be a key indicator of the broader dynamics of the war in Ukraine, demonstrating the resilience of Ukrainian defenses and the challenges faced by Russian forces in their attempts to make significant territorial gains.