Zelensky: Russia is Throwing Its Weight to Prevent Our Forces from Continuing the Counteroffensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukrainians that "Russia is throwing all its weight into a campaign to prevent Kyiv's forces from continuing their counteroffensive," as a senior general reported new advances on the southern front. However, Ukrainian military analysts noted that "Ukrainian forces are facing difficulties in their attempts to advance southward." Ukraine is conducting a counteroffensive to reclaim areas in eastern and southern Ukraine that were seized by Russian forces in their attack that began in February 2022. The focus is on controlling villages in the southeastern region in a campaign toward the Sea of Azov and areas close to the eastern city of Bakhmut, which was taken by Russian forces in May after months of fighting. Russian reports indicated that "Russian forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in the eastern Donetsk region, including assaults around Bakhmut." In his nightly address via video link after chairing a meeting with senior commanders, Zelensky stated: "We must all clearly understand and as clearly as possible that Russian forces in our southern and eastern territories are doing everything they can to stop our soldiers." Following the meeting, the commander of Ukrainian forces in the south, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, revealed that "his troops are systematically pushing the enemy out of its positions." He posted on Telegram: "Enemy losses in the last 24 hours amount to at least 200 soldiers." Meanwhile, military analyst Serhiy Hrabski told Ukrainian radio: "In the south, the situation is extremely difficult in advancing toward Berdiansk," referring to a port on the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian forces hope to cut off a land bridge established by Russian forces with the annexed Crimean Peninsula.