Ukraine’s military reported advancements in its ongoing war with Russia, asserting robust defense along the front lines. However, Moscow dismissed Kyiv’s campaign as unsuccessful. Ukraine had launched a counteroffensive in June to reclaim territory seized by Russia but has faced difficulties breaking through entrenched Russian lines. Western media has criticized Ukraine for concentrating forces in the wrong places.
Both sides have achieved limited successes, taking control of small pockets of land or villages. Ukraine has recaptured several villages near the Sea of Azov and aims to regain ground near the city of Bakhmut. Ilya Yevlash, spokesperson for Ukrainian troops, stated that they are advancing confidently, meter by meter, towards key locations.
Ukraine’s forces are also moving towards Melitopol in the south, with the aim of severing the land bridge established by Russian troops between Crimea and the occupied east. However, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu dismissed Ukraine’s offensive as a failure, though he acknowledged difficulties in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.
While Ukrainian analysts believe that the strategy to capture successive villages is paying off, the success of the overall campaign will depend on progress before winter weather sets in. Military analyst Serhiy Zgurets suggests that Ukraine has opened new fronts in the south with a strategy of “stretch, attrition, and strike.”
Ukrainian officials have stated that their forces have managed to push past Russia’s first line of defense but now face further fortified areas with minefields. Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for southern forces, highlighted the enemy’s efforts to fortify and redeploy during the “dry period” before winter.
Reporting by Reuters, Nick Starkov, and Ron Popeski. Editing by Andrew Osborn and Lincoln Feast.
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