Ukrainian forces make gains in Donetsk region, liberate territory - Commander-in-Chief

Syrsky says in recent days he has visited all the brigades operating in the operational zone of the Donetsk operational and tactical group troops. During the trip, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:

• listened to reports from the commander of the operational-tactical group, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi;
• worked with brigade commanders at their command posts;
• resolved problematic issues related to the organization of combat operations, provision of ammunition and material, and technical means.

"I drew attention to the thorough preparation and provision of combat operations of each combat unit, each assault group. This should be a constant object of control of the brigade commander and the direct responsibility of the battalion commander. He gave the necessary orders to resolve problematic issues and meet existing needs," he added.

Situation at front

Syrskyi said that Russia has not changed its plans and continues to try to push units of Ukrainian soldiers beyond the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as to reach the administrative borders of these regions.

"We are continuing the defensive operation, conducting counteroffensive actions, and have had some success. In recent weeks, we have liberated about 16 square kilometers of territory in the area of ​​the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne, Shevchenko," he added.

Russia's spring offensive

At the end of March, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian intelligence had recorded Russia's preparation for a new offensive in Ukraine, and the threat was aimed at the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia regions.

Western media also wrote that Russia plans to maximize pressure on Ukraine to strengthen the Kremlin's position during the ceasefire negotiations.

On April 9, Syrskyi confirmed that Russia had already launched an offensive against the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.