KYIV: Ukraine has claimed the recapture of small areas of territory from Russian forces along the southern front and near the town of Bakhmut, where Ukrainian troops have been conducting a methodical counter-offensive.
Kyiv initiated its campaign to regain territory controlled by Moscow in June, leveraging Western-supplied weapons and assembling assault battalions for the effort. This offensive has primarily focused on Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk and various locations along the southern frontline leading towards Crimea.
Outgoing Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar revealed on state media that “Two square kilometres (0.77 square miles) were liberated in the Bakhmut sector.” This announcement followed Kyiv’s claim on the previous day that its forces had recaptured Klishchiivka, a village located south of Bakhmut, which had been occupied by Russian forces since May, following one of the war’s lengthiest and bloodiest battles.
Malyar also reported that Ukrainian forces had reclaimed 5.2 square kilometres in the south, where efforts are underway to penetrate deeper into Russian-held territory at two points along the frontline.
Despite these gains, Ukraine’s progress against well-entrenched Russian positions has been limited since June, prompting discussions among Kyiv’s Western allies regarding its military strategy.
Russian forces continue their aerial bombardment campaign, with particular focus on Ukraine’s southern regions and key maritime export hubs.
Ukraine Intercepts Attack Drones
Overnight, Ukraine claimed that its air defence systems had successfully intercepted a swarm of attack drones and nearly 20 cruise missiles launched during Russia’s most recent aerial assault.
The Ukrainian air force stated on social media, “A total of 24 strike UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) were recorded around the Mykolaiv and Odesa regions. Eighteen attack drones were shot down by air defence units.” It further noted that Ukraine had thwarted all 17 cruise missiles fired by Russia.
Russia, on the other hand, reported hitting Ukrainian “storage sites” for British Storm Shadow cruise missiles and ammunition containing depleted uranium, which had been supplied to Kyiv by the United States.
In Russian-occupied Donetsk, authorities reported a Ukrainian strike that damaged the local Moscow-appointed administration building. The strike did not result in casualties. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have repelled Ukrainian drones over outer Moscow, two border regions, and several parts of occupied Crimea.
In southern Russia, security services announced the arrest of two Russian nationals who were allegedly preparing “sabotage-terrorist acts” on behalf of the anti-Kremlin nationalist group “Freedom of Russia Legion.” This group was responsible for a cross-border incursion into Russia’s Belgorod region in May.
