Ukraine Pushed Back Russian Troops in Southeast, Mines Hampering Progress
KYIV, Aug 14 – Ukraine reported intense fighting along its entire front line on Monday and some success in pushing back Russian troops in one part of the southeast, where Ukrainian forces are attempting to retake Russian-occupied territory. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said progress has been impeded by widespread Russian-laid minefields and strong fortifications.
Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian military managed to advance around the village of Staromaiorske, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Russian-held Donetsk. They are also pressing on two fronts in the south, according to Maliar.
Troops are currently engaged in a battle for control of the neighboring settlement of Urozhaine, where Kyiv is trying to gain a foothold in both villages. “Hostilities are taking place in the vicinity of Urozhaine and the fight is for this particular locality,” said Maliar.
Ukrainian forces have made incremental gains since launching their long-awaited operation in June. However, officials in Kyiv have acknowledged that progress has been slower than anticipated due to rigid Russian defenses.
Maliar described the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, saying, “The Armed Forces are facing complete mining of the territory, cement fortifications of the key heights, constant mortar and artillery shelling, and the Russians are densely using aviation.”
Despite these difficulties, the Ukrainian military has managed to recapture nearly 2 square miles around the ruined eastern city of Bakhmut in the past week. Bakhmut was the site of the bloodiest battle of the nearly 18-month war between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Maliar also noted that Russian troops continue their assault around the eastern towns of Kupyansk and Lyman, where they are regrouping. “The Russians have intensified these offensives after the success of the Ukrainian army on the Bakhmut axis,” she said.
Russia still controls around a fifth of Ukraine, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and parts of the regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. This occupied territory includes most of Ukraine’s coastline and parts of its industrial heartland, the Donbas.
The situation remains tense, and the Ukrainian military continues its efforts to push back Russian troops and retake occupied territory.
Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Angus MacSwan