Moscow reports two gains made in eastern Ukraine.
The impact of Russia's offensive at Kharkiv appears to have diminished, but the country claims to have gained control of a village in the region. Furthermore, there are rumors of success in Donetsk, and a strategically important city is being targeted.
Russia's Defense Ministry in Moscow announced that it has captured two villages - Netailove in Donetsk and Iwaniwka in Kharkiv. The Ministry declared these villages "liberated."
The Russian army had initiated a new ground offensive in the northeastern region of Kharkiv over two weeks ago. Iwaniwka, which is situated further east, has been a site of ongoing conflict for months. The Russian soldiers are now attempting to make advances towards the town of Kupyansk, situated along the Oskil River. The Ukrainian forces had earlier managed to recapture this city during a counteroffensive in the fall of 2022.
Russia is attempting to capitalize on its frontline advantage before the Ukrainian army can acquire promised US weapons. This aggression is also evident in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that his forces fired 3,200 bombs at Ukraine in May. Ukraine is currently at a disadvantage in terms of artillery and ammunition, especially in relation to anti-aircraft guns. The latest territorial acquisitions by Russian troops in the Kharkiv region are the most substantial since 18 months, as per calculations by the news agency AFP.
Russian troops are also attempting to push further around the city of Chassiv Yar. Larger Ukrainian force formations have retreated after the Russians seized Bachmut. This city is a significant defensive line for Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, which lie further northwest. Reports from social media channels indicate that the Russian soldiers are making only minor progress in this regard.
In response, Kiev has increased the number of its troops in the region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned in mid-May that the Russian advances in Kharkiv could signify the onset of a Russian summer offensive.
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Despite Russia's claimed success in capturing villages in both Donetsk and Kharkiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's forces are urgently seeking delivery of promised US arms. The urgent need for these weapons is evident as Russian forces make advances towards Kupyansk and surround the city of Chassiv Yar, targeting strategic points in eastern Ukraine, including Kharkiv, where Volodymyr Selenskyy has warned of a potential summer offensive.
Source: www.ntv.de
