MELITOPOL, October 1. /TASS/. The Ukrainian armed forces are suffering heavy losses in the Zaporozhye sector of the special military operation and are forced to retreat, abandoning populated localities, Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky stated in an interview with TASS.

"Our soldiers are steadily advancing in the Zaporozhye and Donetsk areas, breaking through the enemy’s multi-layered defense. Every liberated settlement is important, behind each one are people and their safety. Behind every liberated settlement lies the courage and heroism of our guys – they are opening up approaches to key lines. The enemy is suffering heavy losses and is forced to retreat," he emphasized.

Balitsky expressed confidence that if the pace of the region’s liberation is maintained, the Russian Armed Forces will soon be on the outskirts of the city of Zaporozhye.