On August 14, Ukraine said intense fighting was taking place along the front lines and that it had achieved some success in repelling Russian troops in an area in the southeast where Kiev is trying to regain territory. territory controlled by Moscow.
However, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said progress of the offensive was hindered by extensive minefields and fortified Russian fortresses. However, Maliar announced that the Ukrainian army had entered the village of Staromaiorske nearly 100km southwest of the Russian-controlled Donetsk region and was advancing on two fronts to the south.
Ukrainian soldiers shelled Russian positions in Avdiivka. Photo: Getty
The Ukrainian military is also fighting for control of the Urozhaine region, Maliar said. A Russian-founded official in the Zaporizhzhia region said on August 13 that Kiev was trying to penetrate Moscow's defenses by taking control of both villages.
“Fighting is happening in the area around Urozhaine. There are some successes along the southern and southeastern axis around Staromaiorske,” said Ukraine's deputy defense minister.
Ukraine's forces have made some gains after launching a counter-offensive in early June, but the country's officials admit progress has been slower than expected and has been hampered by solid Russian defenses.
In her August 14 speech, Ms. Maliar described the nature of this challenge: “Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing dense minefields, fortified fortresses at key heights, as well as artillery and mortars fired continuously. In addition, Russia is increasing the use of aerial vehicles."
She also said that Russian troops are continuing to attack around the towns of Kupyansk and Lyman, where they are regrouping.
"Russia has stepped up its offensive after the success of the Ukrainian army along the Bakhmut axis," Maliar said.
Russia still controls one-fifth of the territory Ukraine claims, including Crimea, the Lugansk region to the east and the regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. The territory controlled by Russia occupies most of Ukraine's coastline and parts of the industrial center of Donbass.
Kieu Anh/VOV.VN (translator)
