The Ukrainian military has spoken of a planned course of its own counter-offensive – but at the same time acknowledged a “difficult situation” at the front. In the south of the country, the Russian occupiers have met “bitter resistance,” Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valery Saluschny wrote on Telegram. The Ukrainian advance is being hampered by fortifications, dense minefields and a “large number of reserves.” “The operation will continue according to plan,” Zalushnyj assured.
In a video, he also showed himself together with Chief of Staff Serhiy Schaptala in a command center near the front. In doing so, Zalushnyj countered rumors in the Russian state media, which have been claiming for some time that he was allegedly seriously injured in a rocket attack in May.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar reported on a “difficult situation” and heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Russian military is trying to regain the initiative at Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and at Lyman in the adjacent Luhansk region, she said.
Ukraine has been repelling a Russian invasion for almost 16 months. Almost two weeks ago, the Ukrainian army launched a long-awaited counter-offensive. Since then, according to Kiev, eight villages and a good 113 square kilometers have been liberated.
