Ukraine announced that its forces have regained more territory on the eastern front and are advancing south in their counteroffensive against Russian troops, as President Volodymyr Zelensky visited two areas along the frontline. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported that Ukrainian forces recovered approximately three square kilometers of territory around the eastern city of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian forces in May after months of fierce fighting.
Maliar mentioned an unspecified “success” in the direction of the villages of Novodanylivka and Novobrokopivka in the Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine, but did not provide further details. She wrote on Telegram that Ukraine has regained around 47 square kilometers of territory around Bakhmut since the beginning of its counteroffensive in early June. Reuters could not verify these reports, and Russia has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains. Both sides consider control over small villages or pockets as new successes.
Videos published on the Ukrainian presidency's website showed Zelensky visiting troops in the eastern Donetsk region, where Bakhmut is located, and in the Zaporizhzhia region, where Kyiv's forces are attempting to advance south toward the Sea of Azov. Zelensky was seen presenting medals to soldiers at several locations and thanking medics at a field hospital on the southern frontline.
In his nightly speech from a train, the president stated that the soldiers' comments regarding the course of the conflict will be taken seriously. He said, "Everything our fighters talked about will be brought up at leadership meetings, especially regarding electronic warfare. We heard you clearly, guys."
Officials in Kyiv are frustrated by criticisms from Western media reports that the counteroffensive is progressing too slowly and is hampered by poor planning, particularly the deployment of forces in too many locations. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated last week that critics should "be quiet."
Ukraine has reclaimed several villages and settlements in its ongoing counteroffensive over the past three months, but extensive minefields and Russian trenches have hindered the progress of its soldiers. Maliar stated last week that Ukrainian forces have breached the first line of Russian defenses and that the Ukrainian army expects to advance more quickly now.
Russia continues to launch aerial strikes on Ukrainian targets, including port infrastructure, and has announced drone attacks on its territory. A statement from the Russian defense ministry's Telegram account on Monday quoted an officer saying, "The enemy is attacking boldly and dangerously, but we are steadfast. We will not allow them to get through."
