The situation on the Oleksandrivske axis and around the city of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia region remains difficult, but Ukraine’s Defense Forces are carrying out effective counterattacks and assault operations, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a Facebook post.
Syrskyi said he is working in the area of operations on the country’s southeastern fronts and visited several brigade and regiment command posts involved in active combat on the Oleksandrivske sector and near Hulyaipole.
“The enemy has not abandoned attempts to break through our defensive lines, carrying out constant attacks, including with heavy weapons and other military hardware, but without significant success. The warriors of the Defense Forces are holding key lines and positions, disrupting the enemy’s plans and inflicting significant losses in manpower and equipment,” Syrskyi said.
“At the same time, our units are conducting effective counterattacks and assault actions, employing drone systems, artillery and electronic-warfare assets to good effect.”
The general heard briefings from commanders on task execution, changes in the operational situation, proposals for further actions and the urgent needs of Ukrainian units, and issued corresponding orders.
“I underscored the top priority: liberating territory is extremely important, but above all we must preserve the lives of our soldiers and maintain the combat capability of our units,” Syrskyi said.
Earlier Monday, Ukraine’s General Staff reported 78 combat engagements along the front since the start of the day. It said Russia is focusing its main efforts on the Pokrovsk and Hulyaipole sectors.
Separately, the General Staff said Russia lost nearly 1,300 troops killed and wounded on February 15. It said Russia’s total losses have approached 1.3 million personnel since the start of the full-scale war.
