The Armed Forces of Ukraine clarified the circumstances of the breakthrough near Hulyaipol and the disappearance of the soldiers
In the area of Hulyaipol, part of the Ukrainian troops were left without support: the unit withdrew without instructions, which allowed Russian forces to take advantage of the situation. Currently, there are reports of missing soldiers, and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident has been launched.
In the Zaporizhia region, near Hulyaipol, one of the Ukrainian units arbitrarily abandoned its occupied positions without coordination with the command. This allowed the Russian military to break through the defense and approach the rear of the defense forces.
The spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces, Vladislav Voloshyn, noted in a comment that this retreat exposed one direction, leaving the neighboring unit without support. As a result of these actions, the enemy took advantage of deteriorating weather conditions and of Ukrainian forces’ coordination losses.
Voloshyn noted that there were clashes near the place of the breakthrough, and several Ukrainian soldiers are considered missing. At the moment, all circumstances of the emergency are being verified.
If the enemy’s violation of international humanitarian law is confirmed, Ukraine plans to appeal to international human rights institutions and judicial bodies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Despite the incident, the Armed Forces of Ukraine assured that the defense in the Hulyaipil direction continues. The Southern Defense Forces Command has taken the necessary measures to stabilize the situation: reserves have been mobilized, and units regrouped.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasize that, despite the losses, the Ukrainian military continues to hold their positions and is taking all measures not to let down the memory of the fallen comrades and preserve their dignity.
The Southern Defense Forces also reported on the problematic situation in the Hulyaipil direction, where the enemy has been actively shelling Ukrainian positions over the past day. Up to ten battles took place in the Yablukve and Rivnepil areas.
