In the administration of US President Joseph Biden, they informally said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive started slowly and that its results in the first few weeks have been “sober”.
While Vladimir Putin was preparing a “historic statement”, which again turned out to be complete zilch, Volodymyr Zelensky visited the advanced positions of the Ukrainian military at the front.
Direction of Bakhmut
During his visit to the Donetsk region, the President visited the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine of the Khortytsya operational-strategic group of troops, who distinguished themselves in heavy battles in the direction of Bakhmut.
The Commander of Khortytsya, Colonel-General Alexander Syrsky, reported to Zelensky on the detailed operational situation in this area and the prospects for its development.
The President of Ukraine spoke to the servicemen and presented them with state awards. Zelensky wishes the health and success of the soldiers.
In particular, the President awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Order of the Gold Star to Captain Oleg Oliva, commander of the airmobile company of the 81st separate brigade of the Airborne Forces, who, during his military service, with meritorious actions, together with subordinate personnel, destroyed dozens of military enemies.
After being wounded, the officer repeatedly refused hospital and remained on the battlefield.
Zelensky also stopped at one of the gas stations in the Donetsk region and drank coffee with military personnel who were there on business. The President wishes the warriors health and good luck in battle.
Berdyansk direction
Zelensky visited the positions of the Defense Forces in the direction of Berdyansk and awarded the Ukrainian defenders.
“Advance positions of Ukrainian troops in the direction of Berdyansk. It is very important to be here today. It is especially pleasant to welcome the 3rd Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Hetman Bohdan Khmelnitsky of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thanks to defense of Ukraine, fighting for our freedom and freedom “freedom for each of us. Take care of yourself. Save your life – save Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
There are promotions
As a result of systemic pressure, Ukrainian troops advanced 1.5 km towards the enemy in the direction of Melitopol, the spokesman of the Defense Forces of the Tauride direction Valery Shershen said on the air of the national telethon.
Shershen noted that Ukrainian troops are now entrenched there along the achieved lines. According to him, aerial reconnaissance of the area is taking place, mandatory demining is taking place, and the Defense Forces are causing fire damage, artillery is working on identified enemy targets, and counter-battery measures are underway.
He noted that, going forward, the soldiers of the Tauride direction were confident of continuing to destroy the enemy and level the front.
According to him, in the past 24 hours, the enemy lost 146 invaders killed, 229 wounded, four prisoners. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 15 enemy weapons and military equipment.
In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated Rivnopol, Donetsk region.
“On all sides, this settlement is surrounded by minefields that are very complex. The engineering troops are destroying the corridor and, in fact, the de-occupation has taken place in this way. Stabilization measures continue, Shershen said.
He added that there was not a single civilian in Rivnopol, because the settlement was completely destroyed.
Hope vs Reality
The administration of US President Joseph Biden has informally said that the Ukrainian counter-offensive started slowly and its results in the first few weeks are forced to be “sober”, but they are not in a hurry to draw conclusions, according to the American edition of The New York Times.
In Washington, Biden administration officials have publicly urged patience, even as they privately worry that initial progress will be slow. , wrote the New York Times.
A senior US military official also acknowledged the slower-than-expected pace of operations, but added that it was not a surprise given Russia’s extensive defenses and warned against jumping to conclusions based on early operations. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential government estimates.
The publication explains that after three weeks of counter-offensive, the Ukrainian army is facing a number of problems that hinder its plans, in particular: the large strip of mines created by the Russians for defense, and the land to the southeast, where the open fields. do not provide cover.
The NYT writes that Ukraine seeks to split the Russian-occupied territory in the south into two zones, cutting supply lines to the Crimean peninsula and creating a springboard for further offensives. To do this, it must move south to the Sea of Azov. The main defensive structures of Russia are located ten kilometers behind a well-defended territory. This is the hardest place to break.
Ukraine’s strategy is to probe, attack multiple targets to find weak spots in the defense. Russia has been preparing for an offensive for months and is trying to slow down Ukrainian forces with mines, artillery, attack helicopters and counterattacks before they can find a gap and enter occupied territory.
Ukraine’s success now depends on how many tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers it can spare before it reaches the main defense line, the NYT notes.
During the winter, Ukraine and its Western allies prepared and equipped some 40,000 troops for the offensive, according to the publication.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.