KYIV -Ukraine announced on Sunday that its military has gained ground in three villages in the southeastern part of the country, marking the first liberated settlements as part of its recent counter-offensive. Unverified videos released by Kyiv's forces depicted soldiers raising the Ukrainian flag in a damaged building in the village of Blahodatne, as well as posing with their unit's flag in the neighboring village of Neskuchne.
According to Valeryi Shershen, spokesperson for Ukraine's "Tavria" military sector, the ongoing counter-offensive has yielded localized results, with the military making progress in several villages. Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar later confirmed that Ukrainian forces had successfully "deoccupied" Makarivka and advanced in two directions on the southern front, covering a distance of 300 to 1,500 meters. Maliar also emphasized that no positions had been lost in the areas where Ukrainian forces were on the defensive.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Ukraine had launched a military offensive but failed to breach Russian defensive positions and suffered significant casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, commended his troops without specifically mentioning the areas where the fighting occurred. He expressed gratitude to the soldiers involved in the fighting in the eastern and southern sectors but did not provide further details. Zelenskiy had previously indicated on Saturday that Ukraine had initiated a counterattack to reclaim territory in the east and south, confirming the ongoing "counteroffensive and defensive operations."
Kyiv officials have imposed operational silence and urged caution in sharing information about the ongoing military operation. Limited information and lack of independent reporting make it difficult to assess the situation accurately. Ukrainian troops have made advances in the southeast, with soldiers seen in videos from Blahodatne and Neskuchne.
Russia claims to have repelled attacks near Velyka Novosilka. The breach of the Kakhovka dam caused floods, and blame is placed on both Ukraine and Russia. Russian forces allegedly shelled evacuation boats, resulting in casualties. A smaller dam was blown up to hinder Ukrainian progress, leading to flooding.
The occupied southeast is a strategic focus for Ukraine, aiming to sever Russia's land bridge to Crimea. Russian fortifications anticipate a potential Ukrainian counterattack. Ukrainian forces are also active in Bakhmut and Avdiivka, with claims of regaining ground. Overall, due to limited information, a comprehensive assessment is challenging.