Russia Claims Capture of Varvarivka Village in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Region

Russian Ministry of Defense Announces Capture

The Russian Federation's Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday, December 14, 2025, that its forces have successfully captured the village of Varvarivka. The village is located in Ukraine's eastern Zaporizhzhia region, an area that has seen sustained military activity. This announcement comes amid ongoing offensive operations by Russian forces in the sector.

Strategic Location in Zaporizhzhia

Varvarivka is a small settlement with approximately 368 residents, situated in the Polohy Raion of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. It lies approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) northwest of the key frontline town of Huliaipole. Its capture is presented by Russia as part of broader efforts to advance in the Huliaipole direction.

Conflicting Accounts and Battlefield Dynamics

The claim of Varvarivka's capture by Russian forces is part of a dynamic and often contested battlefield narrative. On December 11, just days prior to the Russian announcement, Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, stated that Ukrainian troops were actively repelling Russian attempts via Varvarivka and that Huliaipole remained firmly under Ukrainian control. However, other reports indicate Russian forces have been advancing in Varvarivka as part of efforts to reach Huliaipole from the north and potentially block the city from the west.

Independent verification of battlefield claims from either side remains challenging due to the ongoing conflict. The area around Huliaipole has been a focal point of Russian offensive operations, with reports suggesting advances in southeastern Huliaipole and northeast of Varvarivka. Ukrainian forces have also been reported to be operating northeast of Varvarivka and conducting counterattacks from Kosivtseve.

Broader Context of the Offensive

The reported capture of Varvarivka fits into a larger pattern of Russian advances in the eastern Zaporizhzhia region. An open-source intelligence collective, Finnish Black Bird Group, noted in November 2025 that Russian troops appeared to have captured more than 15 villages in southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast since September, exploiting weather conditions and manpower issues faced by Ukraine. These advances highlight the persistent pressure on Ukrainian defensive lines in the region.