Ukrainian Forces' Zaporizhzhia Sector Advances Continue With Heavy Fighting

Helmet cam footage released in the past day suggests the intensity of fighting in Zaporizhzhia oblast as Ukrainian forces continue their clearing of areas initially considered under Russian control but which probing attacks revealed were thinly held, presenting an opportunity for elimination of understaffed Russian units and reoccupation by Ukrainian troops. JL

Sofiia Syngaivska reports in Defense Express:

Helmet cam footage shows close-quarters engagement with Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia sector, documenting intense fighting during clearing operations on the outskirts of Stepnohirsk. From a tactical standpoint, the operations involve systematic clearing of fortified positions, a methodical advance, "position by position, meter by meter", indicating a grinding style of warfare where incremental territorial gains come at high effort and risk. The Zaporizhzhia sector has remained strategically significant as Ukraine's counteroffensive continues to push back Russian forces. 

Fighters from the Active Operations Department of the Defense of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine have released helmet-camera footage showing close-quarters engagements with russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia sector. The video compilation, published on February 28, documents intense fighting on the outskirts of Stepnohirsk.

According to the accompanying statement, the footage captures direct fire engagements with russian infantry during clearing operations. The encounters appear to take place at short range, underscoring the risks inherent in trench and positional warfare that continues to define large portions of the front line.

The Zaporizhzhia direction has remained strategically significant due to its proximity to key logistical routes and occupied territories. Operations in this area often involve attempts by both sides to improve tactical positions through localized assaults and counter-assaults. The released material suggests Ukrainian intelligence-linked units are actively involved not only in reconnaissance but also in direct combat missions.

 

A notable aspect highlighted in the report is the treatment of opposing fighters who cease resistance. According to the statement, those who surrender are taken prisoner rather than harmed, contributing to what Ukrainian officials describe as the exchange pool for future prisoner swaps. This reflects adherence to the practice of capturing rather than eliminating adversaries when conditions allow.

The footage also reportedly shows moments of emotional release after successful missions. In some clips, soldiers celebrate briefly once an objective has been secured. Such reactions, while spontaneous, illustrate the psychological intensity of sustained frontline operations and the importance of morale within small-unit engagements. From a tactical standpoint, the operations appear to involve systematic clearing of fortified positions. The accompanying commentary describes a methodical advance, "position by position, meter by meter", indicating a grinding style of warfare where incremental territorial gains come at high effort and risk.

As Defense Express previously reported, operators of the Lasar's Group of the National Guard of Ukraine reported the destruction of two russian BM-21 multiple launch rocket systems in Donetsk region. The unit released combat footage on February 28, showing drone strikes against the enemy artillery systems.