|
"The (Ukrainian) Defense Forces continue to conduct offensive
operations north and south of the city of Bakhmut," Andriy
Kovaliov, a spokesperson for the armed forces general staff,
said.
"In the directions of Bila Hora-Andriivka and Bila
Hora-Kurdyumivka, they have had success in some places," he
said, referring to sectors of the frontline south of Bakhmut.
He said Russian forces were putting up strong resistance, moving
units and troops, and deploying reserves as Ukraine presses on
with the counteroffensive launched in May. He did not say how
much ground Ukraine had gained in the latest combat.
Russia captured Bakhmut in May after months of intense fighting
that devastated the city, seen by Moscow as a stepping stone to
further advances following its full-scale invasion in February
2022.
Russian accounts from the front line on Tuesday spoke of clashes
but referred to a successful defence of areas near Bakhmut.
Reuters could not verify the situation on the battlefield, and
Russia has not acknowledged Ukrainian gains.
Russia also launched kamikaze drone attacks on Kyiv overnight,
and attacked the capital and the southern port of Odesa the
previous night.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), an American nonprofit
research group and think tank, said strikes on port
infrastructure were "likely intended to discourage NATO members
from providing more military aid to Ukraine."
(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka in Gdansk and Kyiv newsroom;
Editing by Timothy Heritage)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2022 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
