Russian forces amass in southern Ukraine amid record gains
According to Vladyslav Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Southern Defence Forces, the defence forces are resisting a large Russian military formation in the south of Ukraine, numbering around 200,000 soldiers.
"In the south, the Ukrainian Defence Forces are facing approximately 200,000 people," he said. Voloshyn clarified that along each front line section, the enemy deploys its forces according to its plans: in some places, it reinforces forces, and in others, it maintains defence.
Assault groups of 10 people
The spokesperson added that in several sectors, the Russians are forming additional small assault groups of up to 10 people. As reported by Ukrinform, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting a stabilisation operation near the village of Lewadne, where the enemy has taken positions.
An important junction in the south of the Donetsk region
Voloshyn admitted that Ukrainian units "have not recorded major advances" around the village of Lawadne.
He noted that according to intelligence data, the opponent has not currently created a grouping to conduct offensive operations.
"A few days ago, the opponent, using continuous assault actions, achieved partial success and took a small area to the depth of a platoon strongpoint near the village of Lewadne. Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting a stabilisation operation to level the situation," said the spokesperson.
Record Russian gains. the front has collapsed
Lewadne lies on the road to the town of Velyka Novosilka. The spokesperson emphasised that "it is an important junction in the south of the Donetsk region, effectively marking the border with the Dnipropetrovsk region."
Voloshyn assured that the Ukrainian defence forces are doing everything to prevent the opponent from further advancing into Ukrainian territory.
On Tuesday at 15:00 GMT, AFP, based on an analysis of data from the American Institute for the Study of War, reported that the Russian military captured 476 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in October, which is a record since March 2022.
"I will not reveal a military secret by saying that the front has collapsed," said Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Marchenko.
