Military — 2026-10-27

Ukrainian Counterattacks Near Velyka Novosilka Pull Russian Tank Division Away From Druzhkivka Offensive

BLUFUkrainian counterattacks near Velyka Novosilka have forced Russia to divert reserves from two offensive axes, but limited Ukrainian combat power caps these gains at the tactical level.

Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported on October 25 that Ukrainian forces liberated Perebudova, Komar and Fedorivka, though Russian troops still hold positions on Perebudova's northeastern edge, according to the Institute for the Study of War 12. Mashovets said Ukrainian counterattacks forced Russia to redeploy elements of the 120th Naval Infantry Division and 40th Naval Infantry Brigade to defend near Oleksandrivka instead of supporting offensives toward Huliaipole 13. He also reported that elements of the 90th Tank Division, initially intended for the Druzhkivka drive, were sent to the same sector 1. Euromaidan Press, citing Mashovets, added that only some of the division's units reached Druzhkivka, while a larger part ended up defending in the south, and that the Ukrainian advance has slowed to a minimum 3.

Analysis
Ukrainian counterattacks along the Mokri Yaly River have forced Russian command to commit naval infantry and part of the 90th Tank Division to defense, which weakens the Huliaipole and Druzhkivka offensives. Russia is spending reserves to hold ground rather than press the Orikhiv envelopment, and the Huliaipole-Velyka Novosilka road, a supply route for the 36th and 5th armies, now sits closer to Ukrainian fire. The gains remain tactical: Mashovets himself says the advance has slowed to a minimum and units must pause, Russian infantry still hold part of Perebudova, and Ukrainian officials warn of renewed mechanized assaults. Confidence is low because everything traces to Mashovets via ISW, with Euromaidan Press and NV only amplifying, and no imagery or geolocation confirms the redeployments. The 90th's dispersal since March may instead reflect Russian force-generation shortfalls, not a response to southern pressure.

3 sources

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 25, 2026 - Institute for the Study of War / Critical Threats
Ukrainian gains on Oleksandrivka axis force Russia to redeploy elite marine units — ISW - NV (New Voice of Ukraine)
Russia apparently meant a tank division for Druzhkivka. A Ukrainian push in the south drew the bigger part of it away - Euromaidan Press