NEW DELHI: Ukrainian troops are facing ‘heavy fire‘ from Russian forces in the southern Zaporizhzhia region after Moscow made significant territorial gains last week, a Ukrainian army spokesperson said on Monday.
The offensive by Moscow’s forces in eastern and southern Ukraine has forced Kyiv to withdraw hastily from the town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, marking their first major gain since May 2023.Ukrainian army spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy stated that Russia has launched multiple attacks near the village of Robotyne, a significant area that Ukraine had previously regained during the counter-offensive last year.
The situation remains dynamic, with the enemy inflicting heavy fire, according to Lykhoviy. He noted that Russia initially attacked with armored vehicles, but their assault was repelled. Now, they are attempting to advance with small assault groups supported by armored vehicles.
The DeepState Telegram channel, known for its proximity to Ukraine’s armed forces, reported that Russia successfully broke through Ukrainian defenses at Verbove, a few kilometers east of Robotyne. Another channel affiliated with Russia’s armed forces, Rybar, stated that Russia gained a foothold in the southern outskirts of Robotyne.
Robotyne, like many settlements in eastern Ukraine, has been devastated by months of artillery fire. Ukraine’s defenses have been stretched thin due to ammunition and manpower shortages. Lykhoviy mentioned that the Russians are regrouping following Ukraine’s withdrawal from Avdiivka and are likely to transfer units to other sectors.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the capture of Avdiivka as an important victory for his troops, just days before the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 24.
(With inputs from agency)
The offensive by Moscow’s forces in eastern and southern Ukraine has forced Kyiv to withdraw hastily from the town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, marking their first major gain since May 2023.Ukrainian army spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy stated that Russia has launched multiple attacks near the village of Robotyne, a significant area that Ukraine had previously regained during the counter-offensive last year.
The situation remains dynamic, with the enemy inflicting heavy fire, according to Lykhoviy. He noted that Russia initially attacked with armored vehicles, but their assault was repelled. Now, they are attempting to advance with small assault groups supported by armored vehicles.
The DeepState Telegram channel, known for its proximity to Ukraine’s armed forces, reported that Russia successfully broke through Ukrainian defenses at Verbove, a few kilometers east of Robotyne. Another channel affiliated with Russia’s armed forces, Rybar, stated that Russia gained a foothold in the southern outskirts of Robotyne.
Robotyne, like many settlements in eastern Ukraine, has been devastated by months of artillery fire. Ukraine’s defenses have been stretched thin due to ammunition and manpower shortages. Lykhoviy mentioned that the Russians are regrouping following Ukraine’s withdrawal from Avdiivka and are likely to transfer units to other sectors.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the capture of Avdiivka as an important victory for his troops, just days before the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 24.
(With inputs from agency)