(Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has acknowledged that Ukraine’s military is facing challenges on the front lines in the eastern and southern parts of the country, but maintains that they are dominant in their campaign.
Senior military officials have reported Ukrainian gains in the east, particularly around the heavily damaged city of Bakhmut, which is currently under Russian control. Ukraine launched a counter-offensive in June, targeting both the east and the south, with the objective of advancing towards the Sea of Azov and cutting off the Russian land bridge between the occupied parts of the east and the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.
Russian sources claim that their forces have successfully repelled Ukrainian attacks near Bakhmut and have also faced strong resistance on other fronts.
In his nightly video address, President Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukrainian forces are encountering fierce Russian resistance across all sectors of the front lines. He noted, “There is heavy fighting. They are trying to stop our boys with all their strength. Very fierce attacks,” referring to the situation in Bakhmut and other areas in the east. However, he also emphasized that Ukrainian strength prevails, stating, “In the south, everything is difficult. But whatever the enemy does, it is Ukrainian strength that dominates.”
President Zelenskiy also highlighted the need for improved anti-aircraft defense systems following recent drone attacks by Russian forces. He stated that Ukrainian forces have successfully downed a significant number of Iranian-made shahed drones deployed by the terrorists, but acknowledged the importance of increasing their capabilities in this regard.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukrainian land forces, is currently holding meetings with officers in the east to expedite Ukraine’s advances, which have been slower than desired. “In the Bakhmut sector, my work is devoted to current problems of accelerating the pace of the advance, the prospects for greater activity, and resolution of issues that interfere with the implementation of tasks,” wrote Syrskyi on Telegram.
Serhiy Cherevatyi, a spokesman for the eastern group of Ukrainian forces, reported that Ukrainian troops are consistently and relentlessly advancing on the outskirts of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian troops in May after months of intense fighting.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has stated that their forces have successfully foiled eight Ukrainian attempts to advance near Bakhmut and nearby areas. Two Ukrainian attacks were also countered near Lyman and Svatove, further north, while attempted advances in the south were also stopped.
(by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Leslie Adler and Cynthia Osterman)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
