Official Ukrainian statements claim that the Russians have been stopped. The Kremlin, in turn, maintains that its troops are advancing. Independent observers say that the situation remains unclear for now.
The senior commander of the Ukrainian assault forces stated on the evening of Thursday, November 13, that reports of allegedly significant Russian advances in the southern sector of the Zaporizhia Oblast are exaggerated, and the Ukrainian media and military bloggers should stop panic and “calm down.”
The growing tension on the southern front is mixed with an avalanche of contradictory messages that fuel uncertainty among both soldiers and the public. Today, a key battle for confidence in Ukrainian defense is taking place.
Panic is more harmful than offensive
— We, the soldiers, respect you and value you very much. But when our people read reports that a place has already been captured by the enemy while they are still fighting there, it really clips their wings, said Valentyn Manko, commander of the Ukrainian assault forces, in a video addressed to Ukrainian content creators and journalists.
Manko's comments came after spokesmen for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (SZU) confirmed that Ukrainian troops withdrew from their positions near five towns in the Zaporozhye region, including the villages of Uspenivka and Novomykolayivka.
According to reports from open sources the Ukrainians' withdrawal took place over the weekend. As a result of the attacks, in less than three days of fighting, over 70 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory came under Russian control – the pace of the attack was approximately twice as fast as the typical pace of Russian offensives since the beginning of 2023.
According to SZU spokesman Władysław Wołoszyn, Russian infantry broke into the poorly occupied Ukrainian lines, and the Ukrainian soldiers withdrew. — Poor weather: fog and rain, limiting the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones, favored Russian actions, he added.
Colonel Manko noted that elite Ukrainian assault regiments operate in the Zaporozhye region and “step by step, they are clearing the area of the enemy.” Checking every house, basement and potential hiding place is time-consuming and risky, he stressed, but soldiers are moving forward.
We're asking you [ukraińskie media i twórców treści] for patience… and trusting only confirmed sources
– he said.
As part of actions aimed at strengthening public trust, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the front line in the Zaporozhye region on Thursday, November 13.
He discussed the combat situation with commanders and met with soldiers. In comments published by the president's office, Zelensky told the headquarters of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade: “Thank you for your combat successes.”
“Say goodbye to this city”
Ukrainian parliamentarian Mariana Bezuhla, a well-known critic of the way Zelensky and the commander-in-chief of the Security Forces, Oleksandr Syrski, are conducting the war, on Friday, November 14, denied the official statement of Kiev and warned that the Ukrainian defense would soon collapse.
“The city of Hulaypole has become another victim of the chaos of the military administration and the president's desire to keep Syrski in office at all costs. Say goodbye to this city of the Zaporizhia Oblast.
They announced the evacuation of civilians there, the city is razed to the ground.
Our history is being destroyed by the Russians, but they are helped by incompetent commanders and a lack of political will,” Bezhula wrote on her Telegram channel.
In the situation report of the Ukrainian Armed Forces of Ukraine published on Friday, November 14, it was reported that the situation in the Hulaypola region was relatively stable, where six Russian attacks have been reported so far. According to the official report, all were repelled.
Another narrative
Russian sources confirm ongoing fighting. On Thursday, Komsomolskaya Pravda Zaporizhia – a Kremlin-controlled newspaper covering operations on the southern front – reported that soldiers of the 5th Guards Tank Brigade had captured a network of Ukrainian fortifications and “inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.”
On Wednesday, the Kremlin announced the capture of Uspenivka and added that Russian attacks were intensifying in order to “expand and take advantage of the tactical success.”
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated in an analysis published on Thursday evening that
Russian forces are advancing and intensifying offensive operations towards Hulaypol and Velyka Mikhailivka.
In a Thursday evening statement, the 33rd Assault Regiment – a formation that operates in the Hulaypola area – reported that its infantry was “advancing with limited resistance” and had reached the outskirts of the lost Uspenivka.
The optimistic report of the 33rd Brigade stated that “the enemy is outnumbered eight to one, but they are dying in at least the same proportions.
Our stormtroopers are moving towards Uspenivka.
Occasional raids by the occupiers into towns in this sector do not mean either tactical or strategic success for them. The work of our stormtroopers continues!
Independent Ukrainian combat monitoring group DeepState, which Colonel Manko criticized for allegedly overreacting to Russian advancesin the past – published on Friday, November 14, graphics showing that the fighting in the Zaporozhye-Hulajpole sector was essentially are stuck at a dead end.
Kyrylo Sazonav, an officer of the 41st Brigade, also commented on the situation. In Thursday's analysis, he called the fighting in the Zaporozhye and Hulaypol areas “great chaos.” He said that small Russian infantry groups are infiltrating Ukrainian lines, and Ukrainian counterattacking troops are trying to catch them – and neither side has a clear advantage.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
