Ukraine is making use of the chaos that has gripped Vladimir Putin’s regime to launch a major offensive in the south and east.
As Wagner Group mercenaries marched towards Moscow, Kyiv generals were said to be weighing up how they could take advantage on the frontline.
Away from the rebellion, fierce fighting continues in Ukraine and deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said in a post on Telegram earlier today ‘there is progress in all directions’.
Despite earlier warnings not to discuss Ukraine’s military plans, she said the army launched an offensive in several locations in the east including Bakhmut, Yagidne, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Kurdyumivka.
Dramatic first-person footage shows Ukraine capture a long stretch of Russian trench
This is where Russian forces and allied Wagner soldiers had made major advances in recent months.
Ms Maliar also added: ‘The enemy tried to advance in the Kupyansk, Lymansk, and Marinsk directions, but they failed to advance.
‘They launched airstrikes and artillery fire in the Avdiyiv and Shakhtar directions.’
Russian forces said they had repelled multiple attacks in four areas in the east of the country.
In the south, Ms Maliar confirmed that heavy fighting continues in all directions of the offensive.
‘The enemy is on the defensive, making great effort to stop our offensive actions,’ she added.
‘At the same time, the enemy is suffering significant losses in personnel, weapons and equipment.’
The UK Ministry of Defence said Ukrainian soldiers have been undertaking major offensive operations on three main axes in the south and east.
An update on Twitter this morning read: ‘Forces are using the experiences from the first two weeks of the counter-offensive to refine tactics for assaulting the deep, well prepared Russian defences.
‘Ukrainian units are making gradual but steady tactical progress in key areas.
‘In Luhansk Oblast, Russian forces have made their own significant effort to launch an attack in the Serebryanka Forest near Kremina.’
The MoD said Russia has made some small gains, but added that Ukrainian forces have prevented a breakthrough.
Source : MetroUK
