Ukraine Nation.- Ukraine Nation’s forces launched multiple strikes deep within the Russian-occupied south, successfully recapturing another village in the eastern Donetsk region, as confirmed by officials in Kyiv.
This dual offensive exemplifies Ukraine Nation’s strategy of exploiting vulnerabilities in Russian defensive lines using Western armored vehicles while simultaneously disrupting supply routes to the Russian troops stationed there.
Both the Ukrainian military and Russian-installed officials reported strikes in the strategically important cities of the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Furthermore, an official from Ukraine confirmed the recapture of Storozheve, extending their advance along the small river in the Donetsk region.
During the initial stages of Ukraine Nation’s counteroffensive, their forces, comprising a small proportion of Western armored vehicles and trained units, have encountered mixed results.
However, the Donetsk region has witnessed the most success for Ukrainian forces. They have managed to retake several small villages to the south of Velyka Novosilka, as well as the nearby village of Novodarivka in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Hanna Malyar, Ukraine’s deputy defense minister, shared the news of the village’s recapture on Monday via Telegram, along with a photo of the country’s 68th Brigade proudly raising the national flag in Storozheve.
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Despite their progress, Ukrainian forces are still a few miles away from the primary Russian entrenchments, which Moscow has spent several months fortifying.
In the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian forces have faced difficulties in gaining significant ground, as their assaults have been effectively repelled by Russian troops, resulting in the loss of several Western tanks.
Military analysts have noted that Ukraine’s armored thrusts towards the transport hub of Tokmak suffered due to inadequate air defenses, leaving them vulnerable to Russian helicopter attacks and aerial drone surveillance.
In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about the lack of sufficient air defenses to protect cities and frontline troops.
During the initial phase of the offensive, Ukraine Nation aims to keep Russian forces off-balance and force them to deploy troops to specific areas, creating opportunities for Ukrainian forces to exploit gaps and achieve breakthroughs. When the right moment arises, larger forces comprising dozens of armored vehicles are likely to be deployed to sever Russian supply lines and encircle enemy troops.
Simultaneously, Ukraine Nation is conducting strikes deep behind Russian lines to disrupt enemy supply routes and diminish their access to essential resources.
Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, reported an explosion in Melitopol, the largest Russian-occupied city in the area, shortly after midnight. Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol who sought refuge in Ukrainian territory, claimed that the strike had targeted a rail depot. Rail infrastructure plays a vital role in Russian supply lines.
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Late on Sunday night, Rogov also reported strikes on the occupied city of Tokmak, a strategically important crossroads north of Melitopol.
“Tokmak under fire,” he wrote, mentioning that Ukraine Nation launched rocket attacks on the city’s central square around 11:30 p.m.
Ukraine’s general staff announced on Monday morning that they had targeted two command posts with missiles and artillery the previous day, although no further details were provided.
These strikes follow the established pattern of Ukraine Nation’s approach since last summer, focusing on targeting Russian logistics, including command centers, ammunition depots, bridges, and rail lines, to disrupt the occupiers’ supply chain. Last year, severe disruptions to Russian supply lines in the southern city of Kherson ultimately forced them to retreat from the city.
This year, Ukraine has targeted fuel depots and rail lines in preparation for their long-awaited counteroffensive, further bolstered by the delivery of Storm Shadow cruise missiles from the U.K., which significantly extends their operational range.
John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, confirmed that the U.S. would soon announce a new shipment of arms from its stockpiles to support Ukrainian forces.
“Our focus is ensuring Ukraine’s success on the battlefield,” he stated on Monday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that Ukraine Nation would continue to succeed in reclaiming land seized by Russia, asserting that their counteroffensive would strengthen their position at future negotiating tables and potentially compel Russian leader Vladimir Putin to seek an end to the war he initiated.