Russia has redeployed marines to the Huliaipole sector and is building up its forces for an offensive

Russian occupation forces are reinforcing their positions on the southern front by deploying marine units and military equipment to the Huliaipole area. 

This was reported by Ukrinform, citing Vladislav Voloshin, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces. 

According to Voloshin, the 40th Separate Marine Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet, which previously suffered significant losses in battles near Varvarivka and Pryluky, has already arrived in this sector. The situation remains difficult, as the enemy continues its assault operations and active use of aviation.

According to intelligence reports, Russia is preparing to redeploy the 55th Marine Division to the temporarily occupied territories, which is currently being reinforced with reserves from the 5th Army. An additional force is expected to arrive along with approximately 250 pieces of weaponry and military equipment. Since the start of the day, over 15 combat engagements have been recorded in the Prydniprovsk, Huliaipole, Orikhiv, and Oleksandrivka sectors, but Ukrainian units are firmly holding their positions.

Despite the enemy’s buildup of forces, attacks in the Zaliznychne, Myrne, and Charivne areas near Huliaipole have not yielded results for the occupiers. Defense forces are conducting active reconnaissance, identifying and neutralizing enemy infiltration groups. Ukrainian troops control key high ground and ensure uninterrupted logistics, which allows them to effectively contain the advance of Russian Marine Corps units in Zaporizhzhia.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated another 1,520 invaders over the past 24 hours.

On March 18, 215 combat engagements took place on the front lines between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders. In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy carried out 49 attacks, during which Ukrainian troops eliminated over 160 occupiers.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces regained their positions near Berezove in the Dnipropetrovsk region and repelled Russian troops.