Hanna Maliar, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister, stated on Monday, July 16, that Ukrainian forces recaptured nearly 18 square kilometers of land in the east and south during a counteroffensive against Russian forces last week. According to Reuters, the Deputy Defense Minister wrote on Telegram: 'These developments bring the total territory recaptured during the counteroffensive to over 210 square kilometers.' She also added that soldiers recaptured 7 square kilometers in eastern Bakhmut last week, a small city that was captured by Russian forces in May after the bloodiest battle. Thus, the total area recaptured in this region reached 31 square kilometers. Ukrainian forces in the south are also working to advance towards the cities of Berdyansk and Melitopol. These forces recaptured nearly 11 square kilometers of land last week, bringing the total area recaptured there to nearly 180 square kilometers. Ukraine began its counteroffensive in June with the aim of reclaiming occupied territories and taking the initiative in Russia's full-scale invasion, which is now in its seventeenth month. Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, calling it a 'special military operation' to disarm its neighbor. This war has so far killed thousands, displaced millions, and turned many cities in eastern and southern Ukraine into heaps of rubble. Russian officials reported a 'state of emergency' on the bridge in the Crimean Peninsula and the deaths of two people. Zelensky: Russia is doing everything to stop Ukraine's advance in the south. Verification: The Russian Embassy distorted John Kirby's remarks about cluster munitions. Antony Blinken: There is no sign of Russia's intention to change its approach in the Ukraine war.
Ukraine War: Ukrainian Soldiers Advance in Recapturing Occupied Territories
Ukrainian forces have recaptured significant territories in the east and south from Russian control, totaling over 210 square kilometers. This counteroffensive is part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to reclaim land occupied since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. The developments highlight the continuing intensity of the conflict and its humanitarian impact.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Ukrainian forces have successfully recaptured over 210 square kilometers of territory from Russian control in a counteroffensive that began in June. This includes significant gains in the eastern city of Bakhmut and southern regions aimed at reclaiming occupied land.
- Ukrainian forces recaptured nearly 18 square kilometers of land last week.
- The counteroffensive aims to reclaim territories occupied since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The war in Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russia launched a large-scale invasion, claiming it was a 'special military operation.' The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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