Against the background of statements about a possible Russian attack on Zaporozhye, experts assess the situation as an attempt to create panic rather than a real threat. Despite the activity of the enemy in the Zaporozhye direction, Ukrainian military and analysts agree: the Russians lack the resources for a large-scale offensive.
According to Ivan Tymoch, head of the Council of Reservists of the Ground Forces, the Russian occupiers are facing numerous difficulties in the region. Although local attacks and attempts to capture several villages are possible, this is more of an information campaign than a strategic initiative.
"When the Russians advanced a few kilometers in the direction of Vovchan, information violence created the illusion of a large-scale offensive. The same is happening now with Zaporizhzhia," Tymochko notes.
The key problem for the Russians remains the so-called Robotynsky ledge — the breakthrough of the Armed Forces of Ukraine into Russian defensive positions. This forces the occupiers to constantly look for weak points in the defense of the Ukrainian troops, which significantly depletes their resources.
Although Russian forces have uninterrupted logistics thanks to rail links along the coast of the Sea of Azov, the narrow supply zone is under constant fire from Ukrainian artillery and missile systems. As Tymochko notes, this complicates supply not only in Zaporizhzhia, but also in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
The Economist reported on Russia's preparations for a "bold" attack on Zaporozhye. However, according to Vladyslav Seleznyov, former spokesman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, even with the presence of the 90,000-strong Dnipro group, the real prospects of the offensive are limited. The Armed Forces are actively strengthening their positions around Zaporizhzhia, which minimizes risks.
The Ukrainian command does not ignore this direction. Intelligence and defense forces constantly monitor the situation, taking preventive measures. According to Tymochka, these actions may look imperceptible, but their effectiveness is beyond doubt.
"Critics mistakenly believe that preparation should be accompanied by mass transfers of equipment. However, modern war is, first of all, a competent strategy and fire control, not demonstrative maneuvers," he emphasizes.
