But
Ukrainian military analysts suggested that things were not easy
for Ukrainian forces in their bid to advance southward.
Ukraine has launched a counter offensive to take back swathes of
land in eastern and southern Ukraine captured by Russian forces
in their invasion launched in February 2022.
It has focused on capturing villages in the southeast in a drive
towards the Sea of Azov and areas near the eastern city of
Bakhmut, taken by Russian forces in May after months of battles.
Russian accounts said its forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks
in eastern Donetsk region, including around Bakhmut.
"We must all understand very clearly, as clearly as possible,
that Russian forces in our southern and eastern lands are doing
everything they can in order to stop our soldiers," Zelenskiy
said in his nightly video address after chairing a meeting with
top commanders on Friday.
"And every thousand metres we advance, every success of every
combat brigade deserves our gratitude."
Reuters was unable to verify battlefield reports.
General Oleksander Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukrainian forces in
the south, said after the meeting that his troops were
"systematically moving the enemy out of their positions".
Enemy losses over the past 24 hours were equivalent to at least
200, he wrote on Telegram.
"In the south, the situation is very difficult in advancing
towards Berdiansk," military analyst Serhiy Hrabskyi told
Ukrainian NV radio, referring to a port on the Sea of Azov.
Ukrainian forces hope to cut off a land bridge Russian forces
have established with the annexed Crimean peninsula.
"They are moving on the village of Robotyne. The enemy is
offering resistance to stop our advance southward."
Russia's Defence Ministry, in its daily report, said its forces
had repelled 16 Ukrainian attacks on the eastern front,
including near the long-contested town of Maryinka and in the
strategic village of Klishchiivka, on Bakhmut's southern fringe.
(Reporting by Ronald Popeski and Oleksander Kozhukhar; editing
by Diane Craft)
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