Zelensky: Ukrainian Forces Inflict Heavy Losses on Russia in Counteroffensive

SadaNews - The Ukrainian forces continued their counteroffensive on the front line around two cities in the east of the country, while President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Russian forces are suffering heavy losses.

Russia announced that its forces had captured two new villages in their slow advance in eastern and southern Ukraine, but the Russian Ministry of Defense did not mention the Ukrainian attack near the cities of Pokrovsk and Dobropillia.

Zelensky said in his evening video address that the counteroffensive disrupted Russia's long-sought goal of capturing the supply hub in Pokrovsk.

He added, "It was one of the key axes of the Russian offensive, and they were unable to launch a comprehensive attack. Our army is destroying their forces."

He continued, "The Russians are suffering heavy losses, and our 'exchange fund' has significantly strengthened - every day more Russian soldiers are captured."

The Commander of the Ukrainian Army, Oleksandr Syrskiy, wrote on Telegram that his forces advanced three to seven kilometers through Russian defenses.

Zelensky also stated in his video address that the Ukrainian forces still hold their positions around Kupiansk - an area in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine that has been subjected to Russian attacks for months.

Zelensky had said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces had regained seven towns and 160 kilometers around Pokrovsk and Dobropillia since the start of the operation. Nine other towns have been 'cleared' of enemy forces.

The Donetsk region, which Russia occupies parts of and wants Kyiv to relinquish before any peace settlement, remains the scene of the fiercest battles.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its forces captured two more towns, Moravka southwest of Pokrovsk and Novoyevanivka southwest of the Zaporizhia region.

The Ukrainian General Staff included Moravka among several towns where their forces had repelled 87 attacks near Pokrovsk.