Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin’s troops exploit bad weather to force Kyiv withdrawal from multiple towns

Published: 12 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Ukrainian forces have been forced to withdraw from several key positions in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, as Russia’s military continues to exploit adverse weather conditions to make tactical gains. The situation, officials say, is dynamic and evolving rapidly, with both sides engaged in intense fighting that has seen villages change hands multiple times over the past week.

Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces, told public broadcaster Suspilne that Ukrainian troops had “completely withdrawn” from the villages of Uspenivka and Novomykolaivka. He described the fighting as “very fierce” and stressed that operations in other areas, such as Yablukove, remain ongoing. “The defensive operation is ongoing, and the contact line remains dynamic,” he said, highlighting the fluidity and unpredictability of the front line.

Voloshyn added that the withdrawal was a tactical decision, aimed at preserving forces and regrouping to strengthen defensive positions further inland. “We are not abandoning our strategy or the broader defense of the region,” he said. “This is about maintaining the effectiveness of our forces under extremely challenging conditions.”

Weather conditions have played a significant role in recent operations. Reports indicate that heavy rainfall, strong winds, and low visibility have hampered Ukrainian reconnaissance capabilities, particularly the deployment of drones and other surveillance systems. Russian troops have reportedly taken advantage of this reduced visibility to move in small units, on foot or motorcycles, and carry out targeted advances. Analysts suggest that such small-unit manoeuvres allow Russian forces to probe Ukrainian defences while minimising exposure to long-range artillery or air strikes.

The withdrawal from Uspenivka and Novomykolaivka marks a setback for Kyiv in its ongoing effort to maintain a defensive line along the southern Zaporizhzhia corridor, a strategically significant region linking central Ukraine with the contested territories in the east and the Crimean Peninsula. Control of this area is crucial not only for military operations but also for logistics and the movement of supplies. Losing ground here could have ripple effects on Ukrainian defensive operations further north and east.

Military experts have also highlighted that adverse weather can impact troop morale, equipment functionality, and the speed of reinforcement movements. Tanks and heavy artillery are particularly vulnerable to muddy terrain, while infantry movements can be slowed, affecting the ability to respond to enemy maneuvers. For both Ukrainian and Russian forces, commanders must balance aggressive tactics with the realities imposed by the weather.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government faces internal challenges alongside the military situation. On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced the suspension of German Galushchenko, the country’s justice minister, amid an ongoing investigation into corruption within the energy sector. The Prime Minister described the suspension as the result of an “extraordinary session of the government,” signalling the seriousness of the allegations and the urgency with which the government is addressing them.

Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister, was reportedly the subject of investigative actions carried out by Ukrainian authorities on Tuesday. While officials have not confirmed whether the investigation is directly related to the energy corruption case, it underscores broader concerns about accountability and governance during a period of national crisis. Analysts note that maintaining internal political stability is as critical for Ukraine as its military operations, given that corruption scandals can undermine public confidence and weaken international support.

In terms of military strategy, Ukrainian forces appear to be recalibrating their defensive posture, focusing on fortifying positions that are less vulnerable to weather-related tactical disadvantages. Defense analysts suggest that this approach reflects lessons learned from previous engagements, where rapid withdrawals and repositioning have allowed Kyiv to preserve operational capacity despite localized losses. “It’s a delicate balance between holding territory and preserving fighting strength,” said one analyst familiar with the southern front.

Russia’s strategy, by contrast, appears to be leveraging both the terrain and meteorological conditions to incrementally wear down Ukrainian positions. The use of smaller, mobile units allows for flexible and opportunistic advances, which can be particularly effective when conventional reconnaissance and surveillance are impeded. This tactic has been used in other theatres of the conflict, demonstrating Moscow’s willingness to adapt to environmental conditions in order to maintain operational momentum.

Local civilians in the affected areas continue to face significant hardships. Many have been forced to evacuate their homes, while those who remain contend with power outages, limited access to clean water, and disrupted supply lines. Humanitarian organisations have expressed concern over the increasing number of displaced persons and the risks posed by ongoing shelling and crossfire in these contested regions. Efforts to deliver aid have been hampered by both military activity and poor weather, highlighting the intersection of natural and man-made challenges in the conflict.

International observers have called for restraint and urged both sides to prioritise civilian safety. The United Nations and Red Cross have reiterated their warnings that conflict in densely populated areas, compounded by adverse weather, can rapidly escalate into humanitarian crises. Aid workers report that communities in southern Zaporizhzhia are particularly vulnerable, with limited access to medical care and essential services.

While the situation remains precarious, Ukrainian military officials continue to emphasise resilience and determination. Voloshyn stated that despite tactical withdrawals, morale among troops remains high and that reinforcements are being positioned to counter any further Russian advances. “We will continue to defend our territory, and our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty is unwavering,” he said.

The international community has been closely monitoring developments, with Western allies reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Diplomatic statements have highlighted the need for both military and political stability, as Kyiv navigates not only the battlefield but also governance challenges at home. Analysts suggest that success in repelling Russian advances will depend on Ukraine’s ability to integrate military strategy with internal reforms and continued support from partner nations.

As the conflict continues into its third year, the situation in southern Zaporizhzhia serves as a microcosm of the broader war — a contest of strategy, endurance, and adaptability under extreme conditions. The interplay of weather, terrain, and tactical innovation underscores the complexity of modern warfare, while the human cost remains high for both soldiers and civilians. Observers note that in the coming weeks, developments in this region could have significant implications for the trajectory of the war, influencing both military momentum and diplomatic negotiations.