This Week in Ukraine Ep. 30 – ATACMS, and Russia's offensive on Avdiivka
Episode #30 is dedicated to recent front-line updates, including Ukraine's first use of ATACMS and Russia's offensive on Avdiivka.
Counteroffensive
The dead villages: Hope and despair side-by-side in the liberated south
NESKUCHNE, DONETSK OBLAST – Vitalii Ivanov stepped gingerly across the messy floor through the kitchen to what was once the living room of his family home. Scattered across the floor and countertops were the iconic markers of a space that was once occupied by Russian soldiers. Cardboard military ready meals complete
Overcoming setbacks, NATO-trained brigade breaches Surovikin line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Editor’s note: The soldiers featured in this article are identified by first name and callsign only for security reasons. ZAPORIZHZHIA OBLAST – Even months before it started, just the idea of Ukraine’s large-scale counteroffensive in 2023 carried on its shoulders a historic weight. Having held back waves of brutal
This Week in Ukraine Ep. 26 – Is the counteroffensive almost over?
Episode #26 is dedicated to the question of when Ukraine’s counteroffensive might end, and what comes next for Ukraine when it does.
Ukraine announces liberation of Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast
Ukrainian forces have liberated the village of Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast from Russian control, military units and representatives reported on the evening of Sept. 17. The successful recapture of the village, just five kilometers south of Russian-occupied Bakhmut, was first announced on Facebook by the Liut ("Anger") Brigade, formed by
As counteroffensive presses forward in southeast, 'every meter costs a life'
Editor's note: The Kyiv Independent is not disclosing the soldiers interviewed in the story by their full names due to security concerns amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The article also contains photos that some readers may find disturbing. DONETSK OBLAST – Twenty-nine-year-old assault company commander Bohdan knows what’s at
Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraine’s hardened units look ahead to long, grim war
Editor’s note: Though the commanders quoted in this story are public figures, the other soldiers are identified by first names and callsigns only due to security reasons. DONETSK OBLAST — In a wide field in Donetsk Oblast, the silence of what would otherwise be a sleepy August afternoon is broken
This Week in Ukraine Ep. 21 – Counteroffensive progress: Expectations vs. reality
Episode #21 of our weekly video podcast “This Week in Ukraine” is dedicated to Ukraine's counteroffensive, gains and setbacks of the last two months, and what to expect going forward.
Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses
Since mid-July, drones and missiles have regularly targeted Russian military depots and infrastructure in occupied Crimea. Russian proxies reported that the Chonhar Bridge, serving as Russia's fastest rail route from occupied Crimea to the southern front line, was allegedly hit multiple times on Aug. 6. The attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea
Ukraine’s counteroffensive lurches forward: Key moment looms as more forces committed
Fresh videos of Western-made armor rolling across open fields, a new settlement liberated, and a lot of noise on Russian military blogger Telegram channels heralded to the world on July 28 that the Ukrainian summer counteroffensive had upped its gear. Almost eight weeks into the long-awaited operation that began on
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces liberate Staromaiorske village in southeast, reportedly ramp up counteroffensive
Key developments on July 27: * Ukrainian forces advance south of Bakhmut, and reportedly ramp up counteroffensive southeast * In southeast, Staromaiorske village is liberated * Ukraine's parliament extends martial law, mobilization * Russia strikes Kharkiv Oblast, killing 1, injuring 4 Ukrainian forces have liberated Staromaiorske village in Donetsk Oblast, according to the footage
Francis Farrell: As the world watches the counteroffensive, a sober hold on reality is Ukraine’s greatest weapon
This June was meant to be all about the great Ukrainian counteroffensive. After months of waiting, dozens of public statements from exasperated Ukrainian officials bound to silence, and even more analyses from experts and commentators in the media, the moment finally came when Ukrainian soldiers on their Leopards and Bradleys
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine lacks necessary equipment but still advances, Zaluzhnyi says in rare interview
Key developments on June 30: * Zaluzhnyi: Advances daily despite lack of necessary Western equipment * Ukraine to strengthen northern borders, Zelensky says * EU wants interest from Russian money to help Ukraine Ukraine's forces advance daily by "at least 500 meters" during the summer counteroffensive despite the lack of military hardware like
‘It’s a lottery’: How Ukraine’s assault brigade counterattacks near Bakhmut
Editor’s note: The Kyiv Independent spent a day with soldiers from the 80th Separate Assault Brigade in June, and the story is comprised of interviews with them about their experience near Bakhmut. The soldiers are identified by their names or callsigns, and their deployment locations are not revealed for
Ukraine war latest: Zelensky warns of possible Russian terrorist attack at Zaporizhzhia plant; IAEA spots no new mines at site
Key developments on June 22: * Russia considers 'radiation leak' at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, warns Zelensky * Explosions reported in occupied Crimea * Russian proxies claim Ukraine hit bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Ukraine * EU provides $1.6 billion to Ukraine According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia is considering a terrorist attack at
Ukraine war latest: Military keeps advancing south, Zelensky says offensive 'slower than desired' but not 'a movie'
Key developments on June 21: * Ukrainian forces report further advance in the south * Germany delivers Patriot missile system to Ukraine * Russia fortifies defense lines in Crimea, creates branch of Black Sea Fleet in occupied Mariupol * Russian forces attack 10 regions, kill 4 people on June 20 * US to send more
Ukraine war latest: Military reports advance in the south, says ‘biggest strike still ahead’
Key developments on June 20: * Russian forces attack first responders in Kherson Oblast, killing 1, injuring 7 * Ukrainian forces reportedly advance south as fierce fighting is ongoing * Evacuation in flooded Kherson Oblast finished, emergency service says * Biden: Threat of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons is 'real' * Budanov: Russian forces plant
Ukraine war latest: Defense Ministry reports new gains in the south, ‘difficult situation' in the east
Key developments on June 19: * Defense Ministry confirms liberation of Piatykhatky in southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, but reports ‘difficult situation' in the east * UK’s sanctions to last until Russia pays for Ukraine's reconstruction * Russia launches drones, missiles at Ukraine overnight * Russian officials claim new attacks in Russia, occupied Crimea. Ukraine
Counteroffensive underway: ‘We overestimated Russians and underestimated ourselves’
Editor’s Note: The Kyiv Independent introduces soldiers interviewed for the story by their first names or callsigns due to security reasons. DONETSK OBLAST – Islam’s mind was empty of thoughts and feelings as he crawled carefully towards the Russian trenches near Siversk, with grenades prepared. “You crawl forward and
This Week in Ukraine Ep. 12 – Ukraine's counteroffensive finally began. What's next?
Episode #12 of our weekly video podcast “This Week in Ukraine” is dedicated to the beginning of Ukraine's much-awaited counteroffensive, its early results, and what to expect in the weeks to come.
Defense Ministry: Despite heavy battles, Ukraine advances confidently
Russian troops have increased their attacks and densely mined the fields to stop Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive, but Ukrainian forces are "advancing confidently," Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian TV on June 14.
Sky News: Western officials say Ukraine ‘will continue to make progress’ in counteroffensive
Ukrainian forces have already liberated at least four villages and seven kilometers of land as the long-awaited counteroffensive is ongoing and will "continue to make progress," anonymous Western officials told Sky News.
US: No confirmation on vehicles destroyed in Ukrainian counteroffensive
The Pentagon said on June 14 that it has currently no confirmation about the alleged loss of 16 U.S-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine's counteroffensive.
UK Defense Ministry: Russian Air Force increases activity in southern Ukraine
Over the past two weeks, the Russian Air Force has increased the number of sorties in southern Ukraine, the U.K. Defense Intelligence reported on June 14. Russian military aviation is attempting to support its ground troops with air strikes against the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, the report added.
Ukraine makes gains 1 week into counteroffensive but decisive battle yet to begin
Ukraine’s large-scale counteroffensive, anticipated for months, spearheaded by new Western tanks and armored vehicles, has finally begun. No longer limited to shaping operations or localized counterattacks, evidence shows the beginning of major Ukrainian offensive pushes to break through fortified Russian lines along several axes. Though Ukraine’s offensive operations
Stoltenberg: Ukraine already gaining ground in counteroffensive
Ukraine is already gaining ground against Russia, and although the counteroffensive is in its early stages, this shows that military support for Ukraine is vital, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told USA Today on June 12.
Ukraine's military confirms liberation of Novodarivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Ukrainian forces liberated the village of Novodarivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on June 4, the Separate Zaporizhzhia Territorial Defense Brigade confirmed on June 12. According to the announcement, numerous attempts by Russian forces to regain the settlement were unsuccessful.
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine liberates at least 3 settlements in Donetsk Oblast
Key developments on June 11: * Ukraine liberates 3 villages, makes progress in Donetsk Oblast * Russian troops attack evacuation boat, killing 3, injuring 23 in Kherson Oblast * Water level drops in Kherson Oblast after Kakhovka Dam disaster * Russian forces blow smaller dam in Donetsk Oblast * Ukraine returns 95 prisoners of war
Official: Russia moves troops from Kherson Oblast to other directions after Kakhovka dam disaster
Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported on June 11 that Russia had redeployed its elite troops from Kherson Oblast to other directions after the June 6 Kakhovka dam disaster.
Ukrainian military reports liberating Blahodatne village in Donetsk Oblast
While there are several villages of the same name in the region, it's presumably the one located just west of Vuhledar.
Zelensky says counteroffensive ongoing in Ukraine
"From my point of view, counteroffensive defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference following a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv on June 10.
Military reports advance near Bakhmut
Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 1,200 meters in some areas in the Bakhmut direction, Serhii Cherevaty, the spokesperson for the eastern command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on June 9.
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