Ukrainian forces retake Zelenyi Hai in Donetsk region, raise flag amid Russian counterattacks
Photo: Russian forces continue trying to retake Zelenyi Hai despite losses (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Defense Forces have halted Russian forces and regained control of the village of Zelenyi Hai in the Donetsk region, reports Dnipro Operational-Strategic Group of Forces.
"Fighters from the 37th Separate Marine Brigade, together with the 214th Separate Assault Battalion OPFOR, halted Russia's advance and established control over the settlement of Zelenyi Hai in the Donetsk region," the message said.
The military noted that as of August 23, Russian forces continue active attempts to retake Zelenyi Hai and other settlements in the Donetsk region along the eastern front.
Dnipro Operational-Strategic Group of Forces emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine remain resolute. On the Day of the National Flag, Zelenyi Hai remains under Ukraine's blue-and-yellow banner.
"Side by side with other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, our marines firmly defend the Ukrainian people and continue destroying the enemy. Glory to Ukraine and to the brave warriors who protect it," the military added.
They also congratulated Ukrainians on the Day of the National Flag, highlighting that it represents the country's independence and territorial integrity.
Ukrainian Armed Forces' advances on the front
On August 11, the analytical project DeepState reported that Russian forces had broken through in the Dobropillia area. According to their data, Russian forces approached the settlements of Kucheriv Yar, Zolotyi Kolodiaz, and Vesele.
At the same time, the Dnipro Operational-Strategic Group of Forces confirmed that on this front, Russians operate in small groups, trying to use local numerical superiority and bypass the first line of defense.
Shortly after, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between August 4 and 16, Ukrainian forces cleared several settlements in the Donetsk region. These included Hruzke, Rubizhne, Novovodiane, Petrivka, Vesele, and Zolotyi Kolodiaz.
Later, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Svirskyi also stated that Russian forces attempted to build on their gains near Dobropillia. However, after Ukrainian units were redeployed, the "victorious mood" of the Russian army turned to despair.
In addition, on August 21, he reported that Ukrainian forces cleared six settlements and killed hundreds of Russian soldiers.
For more details on the situation around Dobropillia, read RBC-Ukraine's article.
