Ukraine’s forces have strategically withdrawn to the west from Berdychi, Semenivka, and Novomykhailivka villages along the eastern front of the conflict, as reported by Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s military commander in chief. Syrskyi highlighted the intense battles persisting in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove regions, where the enemy has deployed significant forces, aiming to advance towards Ukrainian-held cities such as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove via Avdiivka and Marinka.
Emphasizing the primary objective of safeguarding the lives and well-being of Ukrainian defenders, Syrskyi acknowledged the deteriorating position on the battlefield. He noted varying degrees of success, with the enemy achieving tactical gains in some sectors while Ukrainian troops managed to enhance their positions in others.
Luke Harding’s report from Kyiv indicates Russia’s consolidation of recent gains and its push to breach Ukrainian defensive lines before anticipated US military assistance arrives. Despite the challenging circumstances described by Ukrainian security officials in the Donbas region, the situation is deemed as “very difficult” yet not “critical or catastrophic.”
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The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that, in the immediate future, Russia is unlikely to make substantial operational advances beyond Avdiivka. Despite being outnumbered, Ukrainian forces, with limited resources, have effectively thwarted Russian advancements. The deployment of refreshed Ukrainian units and additional weaponry is anticipated to compel the Russian command to reassess its strategy.
Reports indicate an unconfirmed strike by the Ukrainian military on a Russian air defense unit at Cape Tarkhankut in occupied Crimea, purportedly utilizing long-range Atacms missiles recently supplied by the US. Subsequent explosions were reported in the town of Dzhankoye following an earlier attack on an airfield and a Russian missile launcher system.
Furthermore, Russian drones targeted a hotel in Mykolaiv, inflicting damage on a heat-generating plant, as reported by Vitaliy Kim, the region’s governor.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated the urgent need for promised supplies and emphasized the necessity of Patriot systems during discussions with US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries. Zelenskiy asserted that Ukraine has fulfilled all requirements for accession talks with the European Union, urging the EU to fulfill its obligations. Regarding NATO membership, Zelenskiy maintained that any nation prepared to defend shared values should receive an invitation to join the alliance, echoing sentiments expressed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
