Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia in Donetsk region continues

By Anadolu staff

DONETSK (AA) – Fierce clashes between the Russian and Ukrainian forces on the front line in Ukraine's Donetsk region continue amid Kyiv's ongoing counteroffensive against Moscow.

In early June, the Ukrainian army claimed the villages of Storozheve and Neskuchne were retaken from Russian control, and that all of the houses in the villages have been abandoned.

Amid frequent artillery and tank fire near the two villages, Ukrainian soldiers continue to fire mortars at Russian forces.

“These villages were liberated on June 11 as a result of the successful attacks of the Ukrainian soldiers. Russian soldiers tried to resist but failed,” Ivan Kapsamun, a military official in the region, told Anadolu in an interview.

Indicating that Storozheve and Neskuchne were taken under Russian control in March 2022, Kapsamun said that Russian forces in the area left ammunition and weapons and abandoned their positions.

Kapsamun said some Russian soldiers fighting in the area were taken prisoners, adding that the villages in question were in ruins and unusable.

“There are no people in the villages. There are only a few dogs and cats. There are mines everywhere,” Kapsamun said.

He added though Ukraine's counteroffensive in the region continued and they are determined to retake their lands, a shortage of weapons and ammunition slowed down their offensive.

"The army needs more weapons. The weapons must be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible," he stressed.

Separately, Anton, a Ukrainian soldier in the area, told Anadolu they are trying to minimize the loss of soldiers as much as possible.

Pavel, another Ukrainian soldier, told Anadolu they are advancing "slowly but consistently" toward the goal of liberating Ukrainian lands.

“I wish patience and strength to our soldiers at the front. We will win the war because these are our lands. We are in our own home, we protect what belongs to us,” Pavel said.

*Writing by Burc Eruygur in Istanbul