Ukrainian forces are advancing in southern sectors of their counter-offensive against Russian occupation troops. “Every soldier, every new step we take, every metre of Ukrainian land freed from the enemy is of utmost importance,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video message.
The latest report on the counter-offensive, as well as an account of “desperate resistance” by Russian troops in the east, was issued as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said movement in the counter-offensive was “the most important thing”.
Ukrainian military officials have stated that their counter-offensive against Russian occupation troops in southern sectors is making significant progress. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of the movement in the counter-offensive in his video message, considering every soldier’s effort and every meter of Ukrainian land freed from the enemy crucial.
Russia has not officially acknowledged the Ukrainian advances during the early stages of the counter-offensive. In fact, Russia claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on Kyiv’s forces in the previous 24 hours.
Counter-offensive strategy
Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar reported on the Telegram messaging app that Ukrainian troops were actively advancing in multiple directions. Tactical successes have been observed in almost all sectors where Ukrainian units are attacking in the south.
The advancement is estimated to be around 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) in each direction. In the eastern part of Ukraine, Russian forces are attempting to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their established positions.
Ukrainian forces near the city of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last month, are determined to push the Russian forces out from the outskirts of the town. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, in charge of Ukrainian ground forces, described the situation as tense, with Russia deploying their best divisions supported by artillery and aircraft.
The Russian units are fiercely resisting the Ukrainian offensive. Bakhmut has experienced some of the most intense fighting since the Russian invasion in February 2022. However, the Ukrainian military recently announced that they have begun pushing back Russian forces near the city, regaining control of approximately 100 square kilometers (38 square miles) of territory within just over a week of the counter-offensive.
Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukrainian troops in the southern Tavriia sector, reported that the sector witnessed 36 combat engagements and 578 attacks in the past 24 hours. The enemy suffered heavy losses, including more than four companies, which typically consist of 100-250 soldiers each.
The Ukrainian troops remain determined in their advance.
The Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian occupation troops is making notable progress in the southern sectors. Ukrainian forces have achieved tactical successes and significant advances, while Russian troops are fiercely resisting their efforts. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing clashes and engagements occurring.
