Zelensky: We Have Recaptured More Territory in Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, awarded medals of bravery to soldiers during a nighttime visit to the front lines in the eastern part of the country and expressed gratitude to the doctors at the field hospital. Kyiv announced on Monday that Ukrainian forces have recaptured more territories in the eastern front and are advancing southward for a counteroffensive against Russian forces. Videos released on Monday on the Ukrainian presidential website show Volodymyr Zelensky visiting soldiers at the front lines in two war zones in eastern Donetsk and the Zaporizhia region. According to Reuters, Hanna Maliar, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister, stated that Ukrainian forces have regained nearly three square kilometers of land around the city of Bakhmut, which had been captured by Russian forces after months of heavy fighting in May. Ukrainian forces stationed in Zaporizhia are attempting to advance towards the Sea of Azov in the south. In a nighttime speech on a train, the Ukrainian President said that the soldiers' opinions regarding the conflict will be taken seriously. He mentioned that all points raised by the soldiers will be shared in command meetings with participants, especially regarding electronic warfare. He addressed the frontline soldiers, saying, 'Guys, we have clearly heard your voices.' Western media have criticized the pace and tactics of Ukraine's counteroffensive in recent weeks, stating that it has been very slow and poorly executed. In response to media comments, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, said last week that critics should 'shut their mouths.' Kyiv has regained several villages and residential areas in its three-month counteroffensive; however, its soldiers are facing challenges due to being surrounded by minefields and extensive Russian fortifications. Maliar stated last week that Ukrainian forces have broken through the first line of Russian defense and the Ukrainian army expects to advance more rapidly now. Moscow continues to target Ukraine's infrastructure, including port facilities, with airstrikes. On the other hand, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported drone attacks on its territory. On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry's Telegram account announced that 'the enemy is attacking strongly and seriously, but we are standing firm and will not allow them to breach our lines.' Ukraine claims to have shot down 22 Iranian 'Shahed' drones in the skies over Odesa. Zelensky's response to critics: Ukrainian soldiers are advancing. The Ukrainian Defense Minister submitted his resignation to parliament. A possible visit by 'Kim' to Russia; the North Korean leader is set to meet with Putin. The Ukrainian army claims to have penetrated the 'first line' of Russian defensive fortifications in the Zaporizhia region. Continued drone attacks by Ukraine on Moscow; U.S. and European officials emphasize military support for Kyiv. Ongoing 'special operation' by Putin in Ukraine; 'economic pressures' burdening the Russian people. A Ukrainian drone attack on an airport in Russia grounded four Ilyushin aircraft.