MOSCOW: Russian forces on Monday advanced at points along the front line in Ukraine, taking a village in the Donetsk region, gaining better positions in the Kharkiv region and repelling a number of Ukrainian attacks, Russia’s defence ministry stated.
The ongoing conflict has seen Russia consolidate control over approximately 18% of Ukraine, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, following the failure of Kyiv’s 2023 counter-offensive to make substantial gains against well-entrenched Russian troops.
President Vladimir Putin’s directive in February to escalate Russian military operations came in the wake of the town of Avdiivka’s fall, where he alleged Ukrainian forces had retreated in disarray. While Ukraine contends that it withdrew from Avdiivka, Russia asserts that its troops have successfully taken control of the village of Semenivka, northwest of Avdiivka, and have defeated Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries in neighboring areas.
Additionally, Russian forces have reportedly repelled Ukrainian attacks in various locations, including the Synkivka area in the Kharkiv region. The defense ministry also claimed to have targeted Ukrainian drone workshops.
In response, Ukraine’s general staff stated that its troops successfully repelled enemy assaults near Semenivka and thwarted several other Russian offensives. However, battlefield accounts from both sides remain unverified due to restrictions on journalists covering the conflict.
While Western powers and Ukraine remain steadfast in their determination to resist Russian aggression, Moscow continues to rearm and assert its military superiority. Russia frames the conflict as a defensive measure against Western encroachment, casting itself as the victim of aggressive expansionism by NATO and Western powers.
