Secret US Weapons Delivery Energizes Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Past Week
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant boost for Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts, a discreet delivery of American weaponry and a daring raid across a river have injected much-needed energy into the country’s stalled operation. Ukrainian forces claim to have inflicted heavy losses on Russian troops attempting to encircle a besieged city in the east. Meanwhile, Ukrainian parliamentarians in the capital of Kyiv are striving to remove Russian influence from the church. Here’s what you should know about these developments.
A covert shipment of long-range ATACMS missiles from the United States struck airfields in occupied Berdiansk on the Azov Sea coast and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, effectively destroying Russian helicopters and a munitions depot. A video shared by Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, depicted the formidable missile batteries in action. The caption expressed gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers for their service and to partners for their support. The arrival of the ATACMS missiles, a long-awaited request from Ukraine, not only provided a morale boost but also proved invaluable on the battlefield. The timing of the delivery is unclear, as is the decision to supply the weapons. Equipped with a range of 100 miles, these powerful missiles are expected to disrupt Russian positioning, potentially compelling Moscow to station aerial assets farther away, thus limiting its operational capacity. The delivery was seen by Ukrainians as a powerful message of support from the United States. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude in a tweet following a conversation with President Joe Biden, stating that Ukrainians were greatly encouraged by the arrival of the ATACMS missiles.
Intense fighting is currently unfolding in Avdiivka, located in the Donetsk region, as Russian forces attempt to encircle the city. Ukrainian forces claim to have dealt significant blows to Russian military personnel and equipment. Ukrainian troops, deeply entrenched in the area, have successfully repelled waves of attacks launched by Russian forces. According to the Ukrainian military, a greater number of Russian personnel and tanks were destroyed on Thursday than on any other day since the start of the conflict. While CNN cannot independently verify Ukrainian claims of Russian losses, videos shared by unofficial Ukrainian military sources showcase fierce combat and destroyed hardware. Zelensky referred to Russian losses in Avdiivka as “catastrophic.” Analysts suggest that Russia’s objective is to encircle the city and take control of a strategically advantageous high-ground position near an industrial facility, which would grant Russia effective fire control over Ukrainian supply routes. Avdiivka has experienced repeated Russian assaults and has been on the front line of the conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014. Despite the ongoing violence, over 1,600 civilians continue to reside in the embattled city, according to local officials.
Official information regarding Ukraine’s recent cross-river operation is sparse. However, pro-Kremlin military bloggers claim that Ukrainian troops have crossed the Dnipro River into the Russian-occupied Kherson region. Notably, popular Russian military blogger WarGonzo reported that fighting near the coastal village of Krynky on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River has persisted, speculating that Ukrainian forces are working to establish a foothold and reinforce their presence on the Dnipro bank controlled by the Russian army. Earlier in the week, Russian bloggers alleged that Ukrainian military units had crossed the river, breaching Russian defenses and advancing into the villages of Poyma and Pishchanivka on the eastern bank. Kyiv has not officially commented on these cross-river operations in the region. Ukraine has previously executed raids on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson. In June, Ukrainian forces established a bridgehead on the Russian-controlled bank near the Antonivsky Bridge and have subsequently conducted additional operations throughout the summer.
Ukrainian lawmakers have given initial approval to a bill aimed at eliminating Russian influence on religion. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent religious organizations operating in Ukraine from being governed by entities located outside Ukraine in a state engaged in armed aggression against Ukraine. Though the bill does not specifically target the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), it carries clear implications. The UOC is regarded by Kyiv as an extension of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and Moscow’s influence in Ukraine. The UOC claims to have severed ties with the Moscow-based church since the full-scale invasion. However, a Ukrainian government panel of experts found no evidence or actions indicating that the UOC has become an independent religious organization separate from the ROC. A UOC cleric criticized the draft bill as “scandalous” and accused lawmakers of exploiting religion for political gain. A representative of the UOC, Metropolitan Klyment, issued a statement condemning the bill, arguing that it contained numerous provocative provisions that contravene the Constitution. To become law, the draft bill must undergo a second reading and be approved by Zelensky.
In summary, a secret US weapons delivery has injected renewed vigor into Ukraine’s stagnant counteroffensive, while ongoing fighting in Avdiivka underscores the intense clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Additionally, Ukrainian troops crossing a river into Russian-occupied territory and a bill targeting Russian influence on religion further highlight the country’s efforts to push back against Russian aggression.
