Ukraine’s Slow Advance in the South Forces Russia to Divert Elite Units from Key Offensives

Key points

• Ukrainian troops liberated Perebudova, Komar, and Fedorivka, pushing Russian forces from a salient northwest of the Fedorivka-Burlatske line.
• The advance forced Russia to redeploy the 120th Naval Infantry Division and 40th Naval Infantry Brigade from the Hulyaipole direction to defend the south.
• Elements of the 90th Tank Division, originally intended for the Druzhkivka offensive, were also diverted to the Oleksandrivka sector.
• Ukrainian gains near Velyka Novosilka threaten the rear of Russian forces attempting a double envelopment of Orikhiv.
• Ukrainian long-range strikes hit industrial facilities in Yelets, Berezniki, and Oryol, targeting missile components and microchips.

Background

Ukraine has conducted counterattacks in the Oleksandrivka direction since early February 2026, contesting Russian initiative. In September, Operation Vivaldi near Lyman retaken 125 square kilometers using drone-dropped robots. The current southern push follows a spring counteroffensive that cleared hundreds of square kilometers and 26 villages in the same sector.

How outlets are covering it

ISW and Euromaidan Press emphasize the strategic impact of diverting elite Russian units, noting that naval infantry is usually reserved for priority sectors. EUobserver highlights the slowing pace of the Ukrainian advance but stresses the long-term threat to Russian supply lines. All sources agree that the Russian offensive toward Orikhiv has stalled, with Kremlin-affiliated milbloggers acknowledging the slowdown.

Why it matters

The diversion of elite Russian units weakens their offensive capabilities in other sectors, potentially altering the balance of power in the Donbas and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian strikes on Russian industrial facilities also aim to degrade Moscow's war production capacity.

What to watch

Ukrainian forces may pause or regroup due to limited resources, while Russia prepares to resume mechanized assaults in the south. The outcome of the Velyka Novosilka sector will determine whether Russia can maintain its offensive momentum toward Orikhiv.