Ukrainian military's counteroffensive direction disclosed by Pentagon
Ukrainian soldiers (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
According to the New York Times, the main thrust of the Ukrainian military's counteroffensive is currently being executed in the country's southeastern region, with other forces being held in reserve, according to two Pentagon representatives.
American officials' comments on the campaign's details align with reports on Wednesday regarding the situation along the southern frontlines in the Zaporizhzhia region, where artillery battles were waged.
As reported, Ukrainian officials informed U.S. authorities that reinforced units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (UAF) would conduct operations to advance southward through Russian minefields and other fortifications, aiming to recapture the occupied city of Tokmak, and, if successful, continue further to Melitopol.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian military reports emerged, indicating that the Defense Forces were steadily pushing back the occupiers, although their progress was gradual and without any significant breakthroughs. UAF fighters were impeded by minefields, artillery fire, and airstrikes by Russian forces.
The UAF's objective is to sever the "land corridor" between the occupied Crimea and the temporarily held Russian territories in southern Ukraine or, at the very least, advance far enough to put the strategically vital peninsula within the range of our artillery.
According to Ukrainian officials in Washington, the success of this new operation could take anywhere from one to three weeks.
“This is the big test,” stated one high-ranking U.S. official on the condition of anonymity.
Counteroffensive actions by UAF
The Ukrainian military continues its offensive operation on the frontlines. According to the General Staff, the UAF is advancing on the Bakhmut, Melitopol, and Berdiansk directions and consolidating their positions at the achieved frontlines.
Recently, it was reported that invaders withdrew from positions near Andriivka in the Donetsk region. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are making progress in the south, particularly in the area of Staromayorske.
However, Ukrainian forces are simultaneously holding back Russian advances in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions.
In an evening address on July 26th, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian troops achieved favorable results on the frontline that day.
