MELITOPOL, January 19. /TASS/. Russian forces have taken operational control of four settlements near the city of Orekhov in the Zaporozhye Region, Chairman of the We Stand With Russian movement Vladimir Rogov told TASS on Thursday.

"Four settlements have been taken under operational control in an Orekhov suburb. This is a local success," he pointed out.

Rogov emphasized that according to intercepted communications, Ukrainian troops stationed in the area were facing artillery and drone shortages, which could force them to retreat.

The city of Orekhov is located in the Kiev-controlled part of the Zaporozhye Region close to the line of contact. Ukraine earlier lost control of 70% of the region.