Explosions illuminate the horizon along the front lines near Orikhiv, the result of Russian aviation strikes, according to Ukrainian Sergeant Oleksandr Karman. Artillery fire echoes around the canteen where Karman, a member of Ukraine’s 1st Armored Brigade since July 2022, speaks to a reporter. Karman is featured in the documentary The Soldiers of Tank 27, which followed his unit between 2023 and 2024.
The film primarily focuses on the town of Huliaipole, near Orikhiv, situated on the front lines in the Zaporizhzhia province. Today, Huliaipole is the site of a critical battle in the ongoing war.
Shifting Fortunes in Huliaipole
“I remember that time in Huliaipole as if it were another life, and I was another person. I had so much energy,” says Karman, now 56 and reassigned to armored vehicle repair due to health issues. He volunteered for service, leaving his position as an emergency services official in the Cherkasi province.
The situation in Huliaipole has deteriorated significantly since then. Svitlana Shchobak, a former resident and doctor in the area, recalls a time when, despite being only seven kilometers from Russian forces, “we could walk around town peacefully.” She was evacuated to Zaporizhzhia city in October after a surprise Russian assault. Since then, the enemy has advanced street by street.
According to Deep State, a Ukrainian analytical group tracking front line changes, Huliaipole is now a “grey zone,” meaning control is contested. However, Ukrainian Special Forces interviewed on January 8th reported the town is largely under Russian control. Their current tactic involves infiltrating small groups into the municipality to slow the Russian advance.
Civilian Displacement and Loss
The conflict has forced widespread displacement. Shchobak’s mother, 88-year-old Tamara Yakivna, refused evacuation and was reportedly taken by Russian forces to Melitopol, a Ukrainian city under occupation, along with a neighbor featured in the documentary. Shchobak is attempting to locate them through the Red Cross.
Another neighbor, who had been assisting EL PAÍS journalists in 2023, was killed in January while attempting to return to his farm. He and his wife traveled at dusk to avoid drone surveillance, but were struck by a drone bomb when they turned on their headlights within what is known as the “zone of death”—the 20-kilometer area from the front lines where any movement is easily targeted.
Villages surrounding Huliaipole have been devastated, with Mikilske almost entirely destroyed. Reports suggest Russian forces deliberately targeted the village, believing it housed a Ukrainian command post.
A Shifting Front Line and Uncertain Future
A recent surge in Russian infantry assaults in Huliaipole, surpassing even those near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk province, has raised concerns. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces published video in December of the capture of a Ukrainian military post abandoned with strategic documents. Ukrainian drone pilot Oleksandr warns that if the situation continues, Russian forces could reach the city of Zaporizhzhia by summer, which is only 20 kilometers away.
Commander Taras Mijachuk, stationed in Orikhiv, confirms the risk of a Russian breakthrough and a potential encirclement of his position. He cites a shortage of soldiers, Russian drone superiority, and a lack of government support as key challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in Huliaipole?
Huliaipole is currently a contested “grey zone” according to Deep State, but Ukrainian Special Forces report it is largely under Russian control. Fighting is ongoing, and the town has suffered significant destruction.
What role did the 1st Armored Brigade play in the fighting?
The 1st Armored Brigade, featured in the documentary The Soldiers of Tank 27, was preparing for the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia region and fought in battles such as the one at Bakhmut. Sergeant Karman is a member of this brigade.
What challenges are Ukrainian forces facing in this region?
Ukrainian forces are facing a shortage of soldiers, Russian drone superiority, and a lack of coordination between units, according to reports from pilots and commanders on the ground.
As the conflict continues, what will be the long-term impact on the residents of Huliaipole and the surrounding areas?
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