Ukraine’s military claims success in southeast Ukraine as major offensive is discussed
27 July 2023
In a recent video published by President Zelensky, Ukrainian troops have reportedly seized control of the village of Staromaiorske, according to the country’s military. The village, located 150km (90 miles) east of Zaporizhzhia, was liberated amidst dense artillery fire and air strikes. However, Ukraine has not confirmed reports of a heightened counter-offensive.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine’s attacks have “significantly” intensified. Speaking in St. Petersburg, Putin claimed that all attempts at a counter-offensive have been thwarted, pushing the enemy back with heavy casualties.
Russian-backed militia leader, Aleksandr Khodakovsky, contradicted Putin’s statement, asserting that Ukraine has systematically shelled Staromaiorske for several days, making notable progress by holding the outskirts and advancing further.
President Zelensky shared footage of Ukrainian troops proudly displaying the national flag in the village, while Defense Minister Hanna Maliar emphasized that their operations were ongoing and aimed at “clearing the settlement”.
The news of Ukrainian forces seizing Staromaiorske has alarmed Russian military blogger WarGonzo, as the village served as a crucial Russian outpost on the front line in the south-eastern region of Zaporizhzhia. Russian war bloggers are often regarded as alternative sources of information in the absence of official accounts.
Despite the recent gains, Ukraine’s counter-offensive, which commenced last month, has seen limited progress. Kiev’s military commanders have warned that achieving swift results is nearly impossible due to the fortified defensive lines and extensive minefields laid by Russian forces.
Gen Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commanding officer overseeing operations in the south, expressed to the BBC that “any defense can be broken, but you need patience, time, and skillful action.”
While there has been no official statement from Kiev, unnamed US defense officials have reportedly informed American media outlets that a new push has been initiated in Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
WarGonzo claimed that Ukrainian forces were bombarding Russian forces on the northern and eastern outskirts of Robotyne; however, this has yet to be confirmed by Kiev. The Russian defense ministry has stated that Ukrainian attacks in that area were repelled.
Ukrainian analysts caution against premature talk of a new phase in the counter-offensive. Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko argues that Ukrainian forces are approaching a breakthrough in Russia’s defensive lines in the south, but it may be too early to assert complete success.
Defense Minister Hanna Maliar has reported a “gradual advance” towards the cities of Melitopol and Berdyansk. Capturing either city would represent a significant milestone in the military campaign.
If Ukrainian forces continue progressing in Robotyne, the next settlement to the south is Tokmak, situated on the road to Melitopol.
One area where Ukraine claims to have advanced is south of Bakhmut, the eastern city that fell to Russian forces after a long and fierce battle, leaving it in ruins. Maliar disclosed that Ukrainian forces were gradually advancing and engaged in intense fighting in three villages along the front line directly south of the city.
Additionally, Ukraine’s parliament has voted to extend martial law for another 90 days, which will prevent men of fighting age from leaving the country. Martial law was initially imposed when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The decision also means that parliamentary elections slated for October will be postponed.