Ukraine said on August 14 that heavy fighting was taking place along the front line and that it had made some success in pushing back Russian troops in an area in the southeast where Kiev is trying to retake territory controlled by Moscow.
However, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said the offensive was being hampered by extensive minefields and fortified Russian fortifications. However, she said Ukrainian troops had advanced into the village of Staromaiorske, nearly 100km southwest of the Russian-controlled Donetsk region, and were advancing on two fronts to the south.
Ukrainian troops are also fighting for control of the Urozhaine region, Maliar said. A Russian-backed official in the Zaporizhzhia region said on August 13 that Kiev was trying to break through Moscow’s defenses by taking control of both villages.
"Fighting is ongoing in the area around Urozhaine. There are some successes along the southern and southeastern axis around Staromaiorske," the Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister said.
Ukrainian forces have made some gains after launching a counter-offensive in early June, but officials admit progress has been slower than expected and hampered by fortified Russian defenses.
In her speech on August 14, Ms. Maliar described the nature of this challenge: "The Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing dense minefields, fortified fortresses at key heights, as well as continuous artillery and mortar fire. In addition, Russia is increasing the use of air assets."
She also said the Russian military was continuing its offensive around the towns of Kupyansk and Lyman, where they were regrouping.
"Russia has stepped up its offensive after the success of the Ukrainian army along the Bakhmut axis," said Ms. Maliar.
Russia still controls a fifth of Ukraine’s claimed territory, including Crimea, the eastern Lugansk region and parts of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Russian-controlled territory covers most of Ukraine’s coastline and parts of the industrial heartland of Donbass./.
Kieu Anh/VOV.VN (translation)
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