The spokesperson for the movement We Stand with Russia, Volodymyr Rogov, reported that after a heavy artillery barrage the Ukrainian forces launched an offensive toward the Orekhovsky sector. He described the action as an aggressive push, noting that the assault encountered focused fire from our motorized units and reconnaissance teams at the first line of defense. He added that Russian tanks and artillery supported the effort from behind the frontline, according to his Telegram update.
At 21:18, Rogov stated that the situation near the village Rabotino in the Zaporozhye region remained controlled and that Ukrainian troops had pulled back to their initial positions. He claimed that the enemy sustained losses in manpower and materiel, noting the destruction of at least two vehicles, a tank and an armored personnel carrier, during the engagement.
Initial estimates from Rogov suggested Ukrainian forces suffered around 30 casualties during what he described as the failed reconnaissance operation. He positioned the clash as a battle with several decisive moments, mentioning that a video captured the latter phase of the encounter, showing what he described as the enemy taking losses and retreating from the field.
In this corridor of the Zaporozhye region, Rogov pointed to previously erected deep defensive lines intended to halt any Ukrainian offensive attempts. These defenses are described as formidable barriers designed to deter rapid advances by the opposing force.
It has begun
Earlier on the afternoon of May 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that the counteroffensive would commence soon, stating he anticipated air support as part of subsequent operations. He commented that access to air power might follow shortly after, expressing a hope for a different sequence but acknowledging the political realities during a joint press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö.
The head of the Wagner private military company, Yevgeny Prigozhin, offered his assessment that the Ukrainian offensive had already commenced. He described heightened Ukrainian aviation activity and strong overall momentum along the front, including inside and around the opposing perimeter. He later reiterated his view of ongoing, vigorous counteraction, claiming he had abundant personnel and ammunition on hand to sustain operations.