Ukrainian Forces Make Gains in Drive to Retake Strategic Village
September 18, 2023
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian forces have successfully recaptured the village of Klishchiivka, positioning themselves for a potential push to regain control of the strategically important city of Bakhmut. The village is seen as a key control point for logistical routes leading to Bakhmut, making its recapture a vital objective for Ukrainian forces.
Spokesman Ilya Yevlash celebrated the successful operation, stating, “We managed to get ourselves a place d’armes that will allow us to further develop assault actions and liberate our land from the occupiers.” The recapture of Klishchiivka marks a significant shift in the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which had previously focused on the southern region, hindered by heavily mined territory.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to utilize his upcoming speeches at the United Nations General Assembly meetings to lobby for increased support for Ukraine. Zelensky will also hold meetings with world leaders and is scheduled to visit Washington, where he aims to garner further assistance. The Biden administration has coordinated with Zelensky’s visit in an effort to secure additional aid of $24 billion from Congress.
Recent events have further heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have downed 17 cruise missiles and successfully intercepted 18 Iranian-made drones launched by Russian forces. However, these claims could not be immediately verified by independent sources.
Tragically, two people were killed and four others were injured in Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s Kherson region. Russian forces employed drones and shelling throughout the night, targeting the region relentlessly.
Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded his six-day trip to Russia, sparking speculations of a potential arms deal between Moscow and Pyongyang. Russia, facing waning stockpiles, is reportedly seeking artillery resources.
In a sign of growing alliances in the region, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, engaged in a discussion about the war in Ukraine with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The conversation touched upon bilateral relations, Taiwan, and other pertinent issues. Wang is set to attend a strategic security meeting with top Russian officials in Moscow, reinforcing the alignment of interests between Beijing and Moscow.
Canada has pledged an additional $25 million in aid to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, signaling continued international support for Ukraine’s cause.
As the conflict persists, devastating scenes of destruction continue to emerge from Ukraine. Photos taken by Wojciech Grzedzinski provide a glimpse into the ruins of Orikhiv and Novodanylivka in southern Ukraine, where life for many residents has been reduced to seeking shelter underground amidst the ongoing bombardment.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that strategic security meetings between Russia and China were not held in 2020 and 2021. The meetings were conducted virtually during those years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
This article was contributed to by Anastacia Galouchka.