Ukraine claims 'advances' in counteroffensive against Russian forces in Bakhmut, other regions

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Kyiv claimed on Thursday that its forces are “successfully” advancing in multiple directions during a counteroffensive, including towards Bakhmut, a major hotspot in the Russia-Ukraine war.

“In the east, the enemy continues to concentrate a significant amount of forces and resources and pulls up reserves from other directions. In particular, an enemy unit of amphibious assault troops was moved from the south to the east,” Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar claimed on Telegram.

Maliar added that "successful" offensive actions are still being carried out by Ukrainian forces in the direction of Bakhmut, as well as Berdiansk and Mariupol regions, where "there is progress in all directions of attack."

Russia has increased the number of missile and air strikes, as well as artillery and mortar attacks, she said, adding that Ukrainian forces are facing stiff resistance.

“The enemy is trying with all his might to prevent the advance of our troops. At the same time, the offensive continues in several directions, our defenders are gradually but surely moving forward and inflicting significant losses on the enemy,” she claimed.

Russian authorities have not yet commented, and independent confirmation of the deputy defense minister's claims is difficult due to the ongoing war.

Earlier on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that the Ukrainian army is taking "appropriate counteroffensive and defensive actions" against Russia on the front line.​​​​​​​