Ukrainian forces stationed near Orehov in the Zaporizhia region have started clearing their minefields, which suggests their intention to launch an offensive, according to a source cited by TASS.
The source also revealed that Russian military aviation and kamikaze drone units known as “Lancet” are actively operating in the area.
Earlier, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) made several unsuccessful attempts to gain control over footholds in the Kherson direction. This information was reported in the official summary by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
According to the Ministry, the Ukrainian soldiers targeted footholds on islands and the left bank of the Dnieper River. The operations involved members of the 36th and 38th Marine Infantry Brigades of the AFU.
Additionally, the Ukrainian units lost 11 field artillery pieces and 38 vehicles. The Russian Armed Forces also managed to disable 48 Ukrainian boats.
On October 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference following his visit to China, during which he assessed the counteroffensive by the Ukrainian army in the Kherson direction.
Earlier, Ukraine claimed that troops with combat experience had been deployed on the border with Belarus.
