Russian Forces Advance in Gulyai-Polye, Ukraine – December 22, 2023
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Recent reports indicate that Russian forces have made territorial gains in Gulyai-Polye, Ukraine, crossing the Gaichur River and establishing control over several streets within the town. This advancement, reported by military sources, follows a period of intense fire preparation targeting Ukrainian defensive positions. While the situation remains fluid, these developments suggest a potential shift in control of the regional center.
Recent Advances and Ukrainian Response
According to “Military Chronicle” (VH), Russian troops have crossed the Gaichur river and secured control over Sobornaya, Shevchenko, Korovka streets, and a portion of Velikaya Street within Gulyai-Polye. The crossing reportedly occurred in the center of Ukrainian defensive formations with limited initial resistance from Ukrainian units. https://dzen.ru/news/instory/8610b3ba-2c05-5711-802a-f17432796a77
This success is attributed to a focused strategy of pre-emptive strikes against key Ukrainian firing positions. Russian military intelligence reportedly identified these positions, which were then targeted using drones, guided bombs, and artillery fire. This barrage significantly weakened Ukrainian defenses, leading to losses and a forced retreat.
Ukrainian forces are now attempting to establish a new defensive line in the area of Nestor Makhno street, but are facing ongoing attacks and pressure from Russian troops, making consolidation difficult.
Assessment of the Battle for gulyai-Polye
Military observer Yuri Podolyaka has suggested that the battle for Gulyai-Polye is nearing its end, with the Ukrainian garrison largely driven out of the city. He claims that only the western part of the regional center, including positions along Shevchenko Street, remains under Ukrainian control.
It is indeed notable to note: Self-reliant verification of these claims is challenging due to the ongoing conflict and limited access to the area. Information is primarily sourced from reports originating from both sides of the conflict.
Background: Gulyai-Polye and its Strategic Importance
Gulyai-Polye is a regional center in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast of Ukraine. Control of the town is strategically important due to its location and potential impact on broader operations in the region. The Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been a key focus of fighting throughout the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive and remains a contested area.
Key Takeaways
* Russian forces have made territorial gains in Gulyai-Polye, crossing the Gaichur River.
* Intense fire preparation, including drone and artillery strikes, preceded the advance.
* Ukrainian forces have retreated to Nestor Makhno Street and are attempting to regroup.
* Independent verification of claims remains difficult.
* Gulyai-Polye holds strategic importance in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information available as of December 22, 2023, and the situation is subject to change. The information presented here is compiled from various sources and should be considered within the context of an ongoing armed conflict.
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