Since the start of the day, Ukrainian forces have engaged in 122 combat encounters, with the majority of Russian attacks concentrated in the Huliaipole direction, according to the latest update from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian troops launched 24 assaults in areas including Huliaipole, Myrne, and Zelenyi, as well as towards Dobropillia, Zaliznychne, and Olenokostyantynivka. Airstrikes were reported in Vozdvizhivka, Kopani, Rivne, Novoukrainka, Liubytske, Novoselivka, and Rizdvanka, with one clash still ongoing.
Additionally, Ukrainian command noted that Russian forces attempted to storm positions 20 times in the Kostiantynivka direction and 16 times in the Pokrovsk direction. Fighting was also reported in the Northern Slobozhansky, Kursk, Southern Slobozhansky, Kupiansk, Lyman, Sloviansk, Oleksandrivka, and Orikhiv directions.
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently indicated that Ukrainian counterattacks in Zaporizhzhia could disrupt Russia’s planned offensives for the spring and summer.
On March 9, General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian Defense Forces are working to regain operational initiative and compel the enemy to respond to their strategies. He highlighted ongoing counteroffensive operations in the Oleksandrivka area, where airborne units have reclaimed control over 285.6 square kilometers in the past month. Overall, Syrskyi reported that more than 400 square kilometers have been regained since the start of the operation.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Commander Dmytro “Perun” Filatov of the 1st Separate Assault Brigade remarked that Huliaipole is “almost occupied” but noted that this is part of a larger strategic plan.
Intense combat continues in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, with significant Russian assaults reported. Ukrainian forces are actively countering these attacks and reclaiming territory.