Ukraine Claims to Repel Russian Attacks in Kharkiv and Make Gains in the East

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar stated on Monday that the situation in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine is "difficult," but Ukrainian forces are repelling Russian attacks and have regained control of several square kilometers on the eastern front over the past week. The Ukrainian military reported last week that Russia is attacking the town of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Maliar continued in a national television broadcast: "The situation in the Kupiansk direction is difficult. The enemy does not abandon its plans to advance and is calling in additional forces." She added, "We are confident in our forces, but the situation is extremely difficult for them there, and the enemy is not advancing." Maliar noted that Ukrainian forces are advancing south of Bakhmut, a city occupied by Russian forces after months of conflict, and liberated an additional three square kilometers over the past week. Reuters could not verify the reports. Maliar stated that there have been no significant changes in the situation in the south, where Ukrainian forces are trying to break through Russian lines to reach the Sea of Azov. "We must not underestimate the enemy. We all need to be patient and support our armed forces," she emphasized. An American official noted last week that it does not seem likely that Ukrainian forces will be able to reach the strategically important southeastern city of Melitopol, which is occupied by Russia, nor to regain it during their counteroffensive.