Ukrainian forces have continued their campaign to reclaim areas controlled by Russia in the southeastern part of the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that "his country's forces have taken the initiative after a previous slowdown," acknowledging that the progress has been slower than he and the army generals desired, but emphasizing that the Ukrainian forces are the ones taking the initiative. He said, "We all want to do this faster because every day means new losses for Ukrainians. We are advancing. We are not stuck, and the army has overcome some stagnation in the past months."
In this context, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar pointed out that "fierce fighting broke out in two areas in the southeast. We are reinforcing our gains in those areas." She added, "Russian forces are defending Bakhmut, while Ukrainian forces have made progress on the southern side of the city."
Ukrainian forces remain engaged in intense fighting west of Bakhmut and near Lyman, to the north in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian military analyst Denis Popovych stated that "Ukrainian forces have taken important positions near Klishchivka." He added, "This will allow artillery control over Klishchivka itself and parts of Bakhmut and supply routes. Just as Wagner encircled the city, we will encircle it as well."
