Situation in Huliaipole difficult, but Russia does not have full control – Defence Forces of Ukraine's South

The Defence Forces of Ukraine's South have reported that the situation in the settlement of Huliaipole, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, is "very difficult", but a significant part of the city is still held by Ukrainian defenders.

Source: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South

Quote: "The situation in Huliaipole is rather difficult; part of the settlement is under the control of Russian forces, who are conducting assault actions and trying to bring in reinforcement groups. In addition, the Russian forces have a significant advantage in both manpower and weapons...

However, Ukrainian forces continue to hold a significant part of Huliaipole, remaining in their positions, conducting defensive actions, delivering counterstrikes and carrying out search-and-strike operations to wipe out Russian assault groups, inflicting tangible losses. The enemy has lost more than 300 personnel and 6 dozen items of equipment and weapons in Huliaipole today [28 December – ed.].

The current situation in Huliaipole is very difficult. But as of now, the Russians do not have complete control over the settlement."

Details: It was also reported that Ukrainian units are still conducting defensive actions in the village of Stepnohirsk.

"The occupiers are trying to infiltrate along the main road leading into the settlement and fierce fighting is ongoing there as well, but part of the settlement is under the control of Ukrainian defenders," the Defence Forces of Ukraine's South said.

Quote: "Putin's claims and [Russian Chief of General Staff Valery] Gerasimov's reports regarding Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk are similar to the situation with Kupiansk, which they have 'captured' several times already. The haste behind such 'blitzkriegs' is linked to the upcoming meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the US, which is expected to take place soon."

Background:

• Russian propaganda media outlets claimed on 27 December that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had been informed that the Russians have occupied Myrnohrad and Huliaipole, as well as several other settlements. Putin claimed that given the pace of Russian advances, Russia has "zero interest" in Ukrainian troops withdrawing from "the territories they occupy".
• The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine says Russian claims that they have captured Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast are false and primarily aimed at Ukraine's foreign partners.
• Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps said on 28 December that the situation in Myrnohrad remains difficult, but Ukrainian forces are holding their designated positions. Ukrainian troops also have firm control of the northern part of Pokrovsk.

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