KYIV, UKRAINE – Intense fighting continued on Thursday in southeastern Ukraine as Kyiv launched a major push against Russian forces, who had invaded the region 17 months ago. Western-supplied weapons and well-trained troops bolstered Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts, leading to battles across multiple points along the extensive 1,000-kilometer front line.
Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that hostilities had significantly intensified, praising Russian soldiers’ “heroism” in repelling attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region. He claimed that Moscow’s troops not only destroyed Ukrainian military equipment but also inflicted heavy losses on Kyiv’s forces. However, these claims were not independently verified.
Ukrainian troops had been gradually making incremental gains since the start of their counteroffensive in early June. In response, Russia set up vast minefields and deployed combat aircraft and loitering munitions to hinder Ukrainian advances.
The current push by Ukraine involves thousands of troops committed to the region, and some units from the 10th Corps have been activated. The 10th Corps, previously held in reserve, is now supporting Ukrainian forces as they strive to exploit gaps or weak points in Russia’s defenses.
One of Ukraine’s major objectives is the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhia region. Seizing Melitopol would enable Ukraine to establish a land corridor between Russia and the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula, potentially splitting Russian forces and cutting off their supply lines to units in the west.
Russian military bloggers confirmed that Ukrainian forces had gained control of part of the village of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region, indicating progress in Ukraine’s attacks. Should Russian defenses in the area falter, it would create an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to advance southward toward the coast.
The recent resurgence of Ukrainian military efforts followed Russian military and political turmoil in June, including a short-lived rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military company. Thousands of Wagner troops reportedly shifted to Belarus to aid in training its forces before being deployed to Africa.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Dnipro to meet with military commanders and discuss air defense, ammunition supply, and regional recruitment. He also visited a medical facility caring for the wounded, highlighting the increasing tempo of fighting.
In response to security threats, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) banned civilian access to the Arabat Spit in Crimea, linking the peninsula to the partially occupied Kherson region.
U.S. officials, who have been providing Ukraine with weapons and intelligence, refrained from commenting on the latest developments but emphasized the need for patience as Ukraine seeks to regain territory seized by Russia since the invasion.
While Kyiv’s efforts to reclaim occupied land are expected to be challenging and lengthy, the U.S. believes the training, equipment, and advice provided to Ukraine will support their success on the ground.
A missile strike in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region resulted in the death of one civilian and further damage to its port infrastructure. The attack involved Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea, while Ukraine’s air force intercepted 36 Russian missiles launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.
As the fighting continues, the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides engaged in intense military actions in the region.