The situation in the Zaporozhye direction has shown a downturn in activity by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), according to a reconnaissance operator associated with the OBTF Cascade, known by the call sign Noise, as reported by RIA News.
Recent assessments indicate a slowdown in operations over the past weeks, with artillery still being used, but large-scale troop movements have become less common, and offensive actions have not relied on mass formations.
From the operator’s perspective, there is a reduced presence of unmanned aerial vehicles compared with late summer, while Russian aviation activity has increased, contributing to the air component of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Yevgeny Balitsky, who leads the region, has offered a contrasting view, suggesting that Ukrainian forces have been fatigued. He notes that small-group maneuvers have yielded some gains, yet he cautions that it is premature to declare a breakthrough.
RIA News also points to a different pattern on the eastern flank, where Ukrainian forces reportedly broke through the Vremevsky salient, seized several villages, and pressed eastward, only to meet strong resistance from Russian units.
There were reports the day before that units within the Russian military group carried out three coordinated assaults by the 33rd, 65th, and 118th mechanized brigades as they operated in the Zaporozhye direction.
Earlier this year, there were claims from the United States media about difficulties faced by the Ukrainian counteroffensive, highlighting a perception of limited momentum in the campaign.