Russian forces step up assaults in southern Ukraine, prepare for winter fighting
Russian forces continue active assault operations in southern Ukraine, particularly on the Huliaipole and Oleksandrivske axes, and are preparing to conduct combat operations in winter conditions.
This was reported by Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Defence Forces.
“In Huliaipole itself, the enemy is trying to advance with assault groups, bring in consolidation units, and continue infiltration through the street network. In the past 24 hours alone, 17 combat engagements have been recorded in the city,” Voloshyn said.
According to him, Russian forces are attempting to advance in settlements along the Pokrovske–Huliaipole logistics route, including near Dobropillia, Pryluky, and Varvarivka, in order to cut supply lines. The enemy is actively using aviation, dropping 25–30 guided aerial bombs on Huliaipole every day. Virtually all buildings in the city are being destroyed.
On the Oleksandrivske axis, Russian troops carried out about ten assault actions, indicating a regrouping of forces, the movement of reserves, and preparations for further escalation of fighting. At the same time, enemy losses on these two axes amount to 300–350 personnel daily.
“Improved weather conditions have led to a sharp increase in enemy drone activity. Over the past day, about 2,100 kamikaze drone strikes were recorded in the south,” Voloshyn added. The number of Shahed and other UAV attacks on frontline settlements has also increased, including Zaporizhzhia, Komyshuvakha, Kherson, and Odesa.
In Zaporizhzhia Region, the enemy carried out nearly 350 artillery strikes using more than 1,500 rounds, and received over 500 additional 152 mm shells to strengthen fire support. Ukrainian Defence Forces are conducting active counter-battery operations: over the past day, 19 enemy artillery systems, around 300 occupiers, and 108 units of weapons and military equipment were destroyed.
Voloshyn also noted that the enemy plans to intensify assault operations with the onset of colder weather on the Huliaipole and Orikhiv axes, particularly near Stepnohirsk, using infiltration and sabotage group tactics in an attempt to push Ukrainian units out of the settlement.
As of 24 December 2025, Russia’s losses since the start of the full-scale invasion have exceeded 1.2 million personnel.
