Commander of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment: The Offensive in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Required Sacrifices in the Defense of Huliaipole

Dmitry Filatov, the commander of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, known by his call sign 'Perun', shared important details regarding a strategic decision made during combat operations in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in an interview with 'Ukrainska Pravda'. He emphasized that the successes of the Defense Forces in this region were made possible by the decision of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi not to expend manpower on the defense of Huliaipole, which was virtually lost at that time.

Filatov explained that instead of concentrating resources on regaining control over Huliaipole, the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to shift to a defensive posture in that area. This allowed for the release of some forces and resources that were then utilized to improve the tactical position on the flank, particularly in the sector between Huliaipole and Dnipropetrovsk, which became one of the offensive directions for the 1st Separate Assault Regiment.

'If you are interested in the depth and essence of all this, I will say this: we managed to achieve results in Dnipropetrovsk because the commander-in-chief agreed not to waste resources and manpower on regaining Huliaipole,' Filatov underscored. He also noted that there is a certain ridge of heights with fortifications in this area, where Ukrainian forces are currently holding the line.

The commander of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment also commented on his previous statements that 'Huliaipole is almost occupied, but this is part of the plan,' which elicited mixed reactions. He explained that the initial plan of action for the Defense Forces was different, but there were not enough resources to implement it.

Filatov did not disclose who specifically suggested the maneuver to focus on defensive actions instead of holding onto Huliaipole. 'I will keep silent. I can say that Huliaipole was not left to its fate – assault formations were regrouped there, the 5th Assault Brigade and the 225th Regiment were deployed there,' he noted. He jokingly added that if it were possible, two more airborne brigades and three assault regiments could have been sent, and then Huliaipole would definitely not have fallen.

However, according to Filatov, fighting in an urbanized area is very complicated, and even with large forces, no tactical improvements could have been achieved. 'We would not have achieved any tactical improvements there; we would simply have been grinding our forces against the enemy,' he added.

As a result of the decision made, Ukrainian forces were able to halt the enemy's advance in Dnipropetrovsk, block further opportunities for its progression, and narrow its area of influence. Filatov expressed hope that the enemy would abandon offensive operations in this sector, which would allow for the stabilization of the situation.

Additionally, he noted that the offensive actions of Ukrainian forces could compel the enemy to withdraw and redeploy its units from the Pokrovsk direction, significantly easing the situation for the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine and the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces.