Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement on Thursday, specifically commended military units operating in the eastern and southern regions for their efforts against Russian forces. Additionally, various officials have reported notable advancements in a counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming territory occupied by Russian forces.
Ukraine's armed forces general staff characterized these efforts as a "partial success," particularly in the vicinity of the long-contested eastern city of Bakhmut. Moreover, it was mentioned that Ukrainian troops were gradually making headway in their southward push toward the Sea of Azov.
However, it's important to note that Russian accounts of the conflict have asserted that Ukrainian offensives near Bakhmut had been successfully repelled. As of now, it remains challenging to independently verify the battlefield reports from either side.
Ukraine initiated its counteroffensive back in June, with a primary focus on retaking Bakhmut, which had fallen under Russian control in May. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces have been striving to capture clusters of villages in the southern regions. These endeavors have been met with formidable resistance from well-entrenched Russian troops who have benefited from extensive mining operations.
Critics in Western media have raised concerns regarding the pace and tactics of Ukraine's campaign, characterizing them as sluggish and questionable, respectively. Nonetheless, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his talks in Kyiv on Wednesday, expressed optimism, describing the progress as "very, very encouraging."
In his nightly video address on Thursday, President Zelenskyy provided limited details about ongoing operations but conveyed his gratitude to the soldiers for their "very, very effective results in destroying the occupiers." He emphasized the importance of delivering tangible outcomes for Ukraine at this critical juncture.
Among the units mentioned by Zelenskyy was the 12th brigade, which included soldiers from the Azov brigade that had previously defended the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. Military analysts have noted their role in holding Ukrainian positions in the northeast.
The general staff's report noted, "As a result of its assault operations, the defense forces have achieved a partial success south of Bakhmut, pushing the enemy out of and reinforcing their own positions."
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, in a televised statement, highlighted that Ukrainian forces were continuing their advancement southward from the recently captured village of Robotyne. She added that developments were unfolding rapidly in the southern theater, where Ukrainian forces aimed to sever a land bridge established by Russia, connecting the Crimean peninsula (annexed by Russia in 2014) to the occupied eastern territories.
In contrast, Russia's Defence Ministry, in its own reports on the ongoing conflict, asserted that their forces had successfully repelled nine attempted Ukrainian advances near Klishchiivka, a village strategically located on heights south of Bakhmut and considered crucial for gaining control of the city.
