Russian Propagandists Killed in Huliaipole After Filming Flag Stunt; Moscow Claims Victory

Ukrainian Forces Battle Russian Infiltrators in Contested City of Huliaipole

Ukrainian forces are engaged in heavy fighting against Russian infiltrators attempting to enter Huliaipole, a city that has become a critical flashpoint in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to local officials.

The intensity of the conflict has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with Russian forces concentrating significant troop numbers and military equipment in their push to capture the strategically important urban center. Ukrainian defense operations are primarily focused on repelling small assault groups moving through the city’s streets while conducting targeted search-and-strike missions.

“We’re seeing 20 to 25 armed clashes inside Huliaipole daily,” said Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces, in statements reported by RBC-Ukraine. The fighting is particularly concentrated in the city center as well as the western and southern districts, creating an increasingly dangerous urban battlefield.

Russian forces have also widened their offensive to include nearby settlements. Attacks on Zaliznychne indicate a broader strategic objective to secure control of Dobropillia, Pryluky, and Varvarivka—locations that form part of a key logistics route extending from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast toward Huliaipole.

The tactical significance of this corridor cannot be overstated, as it would potentially allow Russian forces to strengthen their supply lines and reinforce positions across the southern front.

Adding to the intensity of ground combat, the Russian military conducts between 15 and 20 guided aerial bomb strikes on Huliaipole each day, according to Voloshyn. These air attacks have caused significant destruction to civilian infrastructure while complicating Ukrainian defensive efforts.

Military analysts have noted sophisticated Russian information warfare tactics accompanying the physical assault. Voloshyn specifically highlighted the phenomenon of “flag runners”—small Russian units that temporarily infiltrate Ukrainian-controlled areas to stage propaganda videos. These groups briefly enter rear areas to take photos or videos with Russian flags before typically being neutralized by Ukrainian forces.

“These staged media opportunities are then distributed to foreign analysts to create a false impression of Russian territorial gains,” Voloshyn explained. He cited false Russian claims about capturing settlements like Kosivtseve as examples of this disinformation strategy.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Moscow has concentrated elements from at least three armies and one division in the Huliaipole direction—a significant force concentration that underscores the strategic importance Russia places on this sector of the front. This assessment aligns with the observed intensity of combat and frequency of assaults.

On December 25, Russian forces attempted to break through to Huliaipole’s city center, with propaganda channels even claiming the capture of a Ukrainian command and observation post. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed these claims, consistent with their position that many Russian announcements represent exaggerated or fabricated battlefield successes.

The battle for Huliaipole represents one of several active fronts where Ukraine faces significant pressure from Russian forces. The city’s position in Zaporizhzhia Oblast makes it particularly valuable as Russian military planners appear focused on consolidating territorial gains in southern Ukraine ahead of any potential future negotiations.

As winter conditions set in across the battlefield, military experts suggest that control of urban centers like Huliaipole will become increasingly important for both sides, offering shelter and defensive positions that open terrain cannot provide. The coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether Ukrainian forces can maintain their defensive line or if Russian advances will continue in this crucial sector.