Russian Forces Attempt Infiltration of Kakhovka Reservoir Basin

Russian forces are attempting to infiltrate the dried-out basin of the former Kakhovka Reservoir in southern Ukraine to establish trails toward the city of Zaporizhzhia. The terrain, which became a dense forest of reeds and scrub after the Russian Army destroyed the Kakhovka Dam three years ago, has rendered drones largely ineffective, forcing a return to infantry-led combat.

Oleksiy Serediuk, commander of the Bratstvo battalion, reports that Russian forces have established observation posts and staging areas within the basin to facilitate troop concentrations. In response, the Bratstvo battalion is conducting on-foot reconnaissance and ambush operations to counter these movements. Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled advances that previously reached within 20 miles of Zaporizhzhia's city center.

Ukrainian commanders note an increase in Russian surrenders, which they attribute to a decline in troop quality and the psychological pressure of being hunted in dense cover. Heavy Russian casualties have also been reported during repeated assaults near the village of Prymorske.