Russia closes the siege, Orekhov faces the risk of isolation
The Russian army continues to tighten the siege, opening a path towards the strategic route N-08, threatening to isolate Orekhov and putting strong pressure on the Ukrainian defense line.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•06/12/2025
On December 3, according to Topwar, the Russian army continued to intensify offensive operations in Zaporizhzhia province, after encircling Ukrainian forces within the city of Stepnogorsk. The situation here is similar to Myrnohrad, but with fewer Ukrainian troops, the defense capability is quickly weakening. After encircling Stepnogorsk, the advance from the north opened up new opportunities for Russian forces. Units could deploy northeast, accessing less-controlled strategic routes, maintaining pressure on enemy lines while expanding their control over the battlefield map.
In addition, the N-08 route, marked in blue, has emerged as a key axis. It is the main supply route to Orekhov, where Ukrainian forces have built strong fortifications, turning the town into a strong defensive zone. Controlling N-08 would allow Russia to isolate key defensive points. Tactical analysts say that instead of attacking Orekhov directly, Russia could use a tactic of cutting off the rear, similar to the operation in Pokrovsk. This is to weaken the ability to supply from the rear, leaving Ukrainian forces short of ammunition, fuel and reinforcements, forcing them to retreat or be gradually destroyed. Furthermore, the distance from Russia’s frontline positions to the N-08 road near Kamyshevakha is currently less than 16 km. The flat and open terrain will limit Ukraine’s ability to deploy large fortifications, which will facilitate Russian firepower and mechanized attacks.
If the Russians control the N-08 section, Orekhov will be isolated logistically. The supply line will be cut off, and the defenders will have difficulty maintaining a long-term fighting capacity. Orekhov is not only a strong defense line, but also a gateway to Hulyaipole, making control of this route highly strategic. In addition, if Hulyaipole loses its connection with Orekhov, the region will also be at risk of being isolated. Russia's control of the Zaporizhzhia-Orekhov highway will directly affect the Ukrainian army's ability to reinforce and maneuver, and could reshape the situation on the eastern front of Zaporizhzhia. Currently, the Russian Army is taking advantage of firepower and mechanization, deploying attacks from the north of Stepnogorsk in coordination with artillery, reconnaissance UAVs and mobile mortars to control open areas. This tactic makes it difficult for Ukrainian forces to build new fortifications, while creating the premise for strategic advances, actively expanding the area of control. The attack from the north of Stepnogorsk also allows Russia to close in on forward areas where Ukraine has little deployed forces. This tactic creates constant pressure, forcing the enemy to disperse its forces, reducing the effectiveness of its defenses and actively expanding its control area.
In addition, Russia also monitors other Ukrainian supply routes to ensure that the garrison does not receive timely aid. Controlling multiple strategic routes at the same time and applying constant pressure has put Orekhov and Hulyaipole in an increasingly difficult position. The developments at Stepnogorsk and the N-08 line are now seen as the decisive factor in the Zaporizhia battlefield. If Russia maintains the pressure and succeeds in its offensive, it will gain a strategic advantage, paving the way for further advances into the province center. Ukraine will face constant defensive pressure and will have to consider withdrawing or deploying reinforcements.
At present, the control of Stepnogorsk and the N-08 line can decide the situation of the war east of Zaporizhia. Military experts assess this as an important strategic step, which can change Ukraine's defense capabilities and open up new opportunities for Russia in the Northern Military Operation.
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