The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a counterattack in the Zaporizhzhia direction, liberating Maly Shcherbaky and partially Stepove.

Ukrainian military raised the flag in the liberated village of Mali Shcherbaky in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukrainian forces have taken control of the village of Mali Shcherbaky in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to the 24th Separate Assault Battalion “Aidar.” The military managed to advance almost 3.5 km forward and more than 5 km along the front line.

Fighters from the “Aidar” battalion, together with comrades from the 33rd Separate Assault Regiment, raised the Ukrainian flag in the village of Mali Shcherbaky. The village is now under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Commander of the Air Assault Forces, Valentyn Manko, confirmed the success of the operation and noted that the military liberated areas adjacent to Shcherbaky and partially the village of Stepne. According to him, the advance operation continues, with Primorske, Stepnohirsk, Plavni, and partially Kamianske remaining under control.

Mali Shcherbaky is part of the Vasylkivskyi district of the Zaporizhzhia region. It should be noted that in July 2022, the settlement was completely destroyed by Russian occupiers, and all residents were evacuated. In March 2025, Ukrainian troops refuted the occupiers’ claims of allegedly capturing this village.

It is worth noting that the liberation of Mali Shcherbaky occurs amidst other successes of the Ukrainian forces, who gained control over the settlements of Filiya and Pankivka during September and October. This indicates a systematic advance of the Defense Forces of Ukraine along the front line.