Ukraine claims to have liberated 130 sq-km of territory during counteroffensive against Russia

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukraine claimed on Monday that its forces achieved tactical success after making advances against Russia and liberated approximately 130 square kilometers (50 square miles) of territory since the start of the counteroffensive earlier this month.

The Ukrainian army has demonstrated both defensive and offensive actions in the last week, achieving tactical success, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar stated on her social media account, adding that the Russians also carried out attacks in the directions of Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Marinka.

“Intense clashes are still ongoing in those areas. There were nearly 250 clashes in these directions last week. The enemy tried to dislodge our troops from their positions but failed to do so,” according to Maliar.

"As a result of the improvement in the operational situation and the stabilization of the frontline over the past week, the area of the liberated regions has increased by 17 square kilometers (6.5 square miles)," she said, adding that "since the start of the offensive, a total of 130 square kilometers of territory in the south has been liberated."

She said the Ukrainian army launched offensives near Orikhiv, Vasylivka, Bakhmut, Bokhdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Kurdiumivka over the weekend.

“Progress of approximately 1 to 2 kilometers has been made in each direction. Currently, our forces are fortifying the positions they have captured while continuing to eliminate the enemy,” she claimed.

Independent confirmation of such claims and counterclaims is difficult due to the ongoing war between the two countries.

Maliar described the current situation on the southern front as "constant offensive operations" by Ukrainian forces towards Melitopol and Berdyansk.