Russian forces are adamant about making headway on the 772nd day of the ongoing war, but the resilience of the Ukrainian defense is unyielding.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, they have successfully taken control of Vodiane, a settlement within Donetsk. They credit this victory to their troops’ strategic handling of two counterattacks from Ukraine’s mountain brigade.
However, contrary to Russia’s claims, Ukraine firmly denies the alleged takeover of the eastern town. The Ukrainian government argues that the Russian state media’s assertion of their forces entering the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, close to Bakhmut, is a deceptive ploy.
Bakhmut was previously a hotspot of fierce skirmishes last year, which resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. Eventually, Russian forces managed to seize the city in May.
As reported by the Kyiv Independent, Russia aims to subdue Chasiv Yar before extending its territorial conquests to nearby cities. This strategic move comes amid the devastating drone and missile attacks in the region that have already claimed eight lives and inflicted injuries on another dozen individuals.
Civilian areas have not been spared from the onslaught. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, five Russian missiles led to the deaths of three individuals and caused injuries to thirteen.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that Russian military forces are relentless in their offensive operations, with nearly round-the-clock attacks using assault groups in armored vehicles.
“Russian killers continue to terrorize Ukrainians and attack Kharkiv and other peaceful cities,” said Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk in a statement.
In a striking display of resistance, Ukrainian air defense forces managed to shoot down three Russian cruise missiles and 28 drones.
In response, Russia claimed its air defenses intercepted 10 rockets headed for Belgorod, a border city repeatedly targeted by Ukraine.
In the geopolitical landscape, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen held crucial discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Their conversation touched upon the subject of Russia’s invasion, with Yellen urging companies in the People’s Republic of China to refrain from providing material support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In a surprising turn of events, an act of sabotage has reportedly disrupted a Russian oil pipeline near the city of Azov in Rostov Oblast. Ukrainian officials released video footage of the explosion, stating that the pipeline was a critical fuel supplier to the Russian military.
