[Ukrainian Counteroffensive in Bakhmut: Progress, Russian Resistance, and Escalating Airstrikes]
Ukrainian forces have launched a counteroffensive in the city of Bakhmut, resulting in significant gains and repelling attacks from Russian troops. Since the offensive began, Ukrainian troops have recaptured the heights over Bakhmut and made advances west, north, and south of the city. However, the Russian forces have become more active in their attempts to regain previously lost positions. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that enemy attacks are being successfully repelled.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that they repelled five Ukrainian attacks near Klischiivka and Kurdyumivka, which are two small settlements located south of Bakhmut. Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov made this announcement at a press briefing. Despite these claims, Ukraine’s counteroffensive has faced challenges, resulting in incremental gains and heavy losses. Ukrainian troops are finding it difficult to break through Russian lines in the south. At the same time, the Russian forces are pushing forward in the northeast to distract Kyiv and limit Ukraine’s deployment of troops to critical battles in the southern and eastern regions.
One of the main objectives of the Russian forces is to encircle Avdiivka, a Ukrainian stronghold located south of Bakhmut. Avdiivka serves as a gateway to parts of the eastern Donetsk region under Kyiv’s control. Russian troops, supported by their air force, are intensifying their assault on Avdiivka. Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, responsible for leading the troops in the area, reported that Russian forces have launched numerous airstrikes and artillery barrages on the city and surrounding areas. In the past day alone, there have been 30 airstrikes and 712 artillery barrages. The clashes between Ukrainian and Russian units have occurred almost 50 times.
In a separate incident, Ukraine’s intelligence agency claimed responsibility for a powerful explosion in the occupied south of the country. The blast, which occurred at the headquarters of the Russian occupation authorities in the city of Melitopol, resulted in the deaths of at least three officers from Russia’s internal military force. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense referred to this explosion as an act of revenge carried out by members of the local resistance movement. The explosion targeted a meeting attended by National Guard officers and operatives from Russia’s main security agency, the FSB.
It is important to note that these Ukrainian claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from Russian authorities. This incident took place shortly after an improvised explosive device derailed several freight cars in Russia’s Ryazan region, causing significant damage. Ukrainian intelligence sources, speaking anonymously, claimed responsibility for this attack as well. While a spokesman for the agency neither confirmed nor denied involvement, he stated that similar strikes within Russia would continue.
As the Ukrainian counteroffensive continues in Bakhmut and Zaporizhzhia, both sides are engaged in intense battles with strategic objectives in mind. The Ukrainian forces aim to maintain their gains and repel Russian attacks, particularly in Avdiivka, while the Russian forces seek to regain lost positions and distract Ukraine from other vital fronts. The conflict remains ongoing, and the outcome is yet to be determined.
