Ukrainian troops are facing a new onslaught from the Russians in a key flashpoint for the way, but anaylsis suggests that Kyiv still holds the iniative in the battle.
One of the key battlegrounds is the largely destroyed eastern city of Avdiivka, where Ukrainian troops are facing a new wave of attacks by Russian forces.
Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, recently posted a video on Telegram, revealing the dire situation in Avdiivka.
In the video, he could be seen conferring with officers not only in Avdiivka but also in Kupiansk, a town further north where Russian forces have intensified their assaults in recent weeks.
General Zaluzhnyi’s commentary attached to the video painted a grim picture: “The enemy is not relenting in attempts to break through our defences and surround Avdiivka. They are actively bringing in assault units, large amounts of armoured equipment, and using aircraft and artillery in their attacks.”
The situation escalated further when it was revealed that the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, had been in North Korea, expressing gratitude to Kim Jong Un for a substantial shipment of military equipment and ammunition. The support enabled Russian forces to intensify their attacks on Ukrainian defences in Avdiivka, capturing small areas as they attempted to encircle the Ukrainian defenders.
However, in the middle of this grim scenario, Ukraine has shown resilience and initiative on various fronts. One notable development was the confirmed first use of long-range ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States.
In a strategic strike on the Berdyansk airfield on the southern occupied Ukrainian coast, these missiles destroyed a significant number of Russian helicopters, sending a strong message to Russian commanders.
This ability gives Ukraine the power to hit Russian forces anywhere within the occupied territories, including Crimea, demonstrating the expanding military capabilities of the Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian forces have continued their counteroffensive operations in both eastern and southern Ukraine. Reports suggest that they have made advances near Bakhmut and in the western Zaporizhia Oblast. Although progress has been slow, Ukraine has managed to retain the initiative, maintaining pressure on Russian forces across multiple fronts.
In a bold and unexpected move, Ukrainian forces have deployed additional troops across the Dnipro River onto the east bank of Kherson Oblast.
Advancing north of Pishchanivka and into Poym, approximately 11 to 14 kilometres east of Kherson City, this manoeuvre has not only surprised the Russian forces but also added a new layer of complexity to the conflict. While it may be challenging for Ukraine to sustain a significant force in this area, the move has forced the Russians to divert their precious reserve forces to contain their opponents, further stretching their resources and adding to the pressure on Russian forces along the rest of the front lines.
