Officials and analysts have revealed that Kyiv is initiating a significant operation against Russians in southern Ukraine.
This new offensive, which involves the deployment of weapons provided by Western countries and an increase in troop numbers, is part of Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces. An unidentified Western official informed The Associated Press on Wednesday that the focus of the increased troops and firepower is the Zaporizhzhia region.
Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, although reluctant to disclose specific details about the counteroffensive, did mention on Telegram that Ukrainian forces are gradually advancing towards the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhzhia region.
According to a Washington-based think tank called The Institute of Study of War, Ukrainian forces launched “a significant mechanized counteroffensive operation in the western Zaporizhzhia region” on Wednesday. Citing Russian sources, the institute also stated that Ukrainian forces seem to have breached Russian defensive positions that were pre-prepared.
The institute highlighted that the outcome of the counteroffensive in the region remains uncertain, as Russian sources offer conflicting claims about the scale of the attack and Ukrainian casualties.
These developments follow the recent announcement by the United States regarding additional assistance for Ukraine, including $400 million worth of munitions. During a visit to New Zealand, Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the ongoing intense battle in Ukraine and expressed confidence that the support provided by the U.S. would contribute to Ukraine’s success in recovering territory from Russia.
“We believe that the tools, equipment, training, and advice that we and others have shared with Ukrainians over many months will put them in a good position to be successful in reclaiming more of the territory that Russia has taken,” Blinken stated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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