On Monday, Ukraine liberated seven front-line villages from Russian control. The Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister, Hanna Maliar, said the villages of Neskuchne, Blahodatne, and Makarivka were already claimed, while Storozheve was added to the list on Monday.
Soldiers were seen carrying the Ukrainian flag in a verified video. Soldiers reported that the enemy initially resisted all attacks. They managed to claim the village, house by house.
Over 90 square kilometres have been regained by the Ukrainian army in the past couple of days. The army is continuing its efforts in the Bakhmut area of the country, but it remains to be seen if their efforts will make a difference.
The government of Ukraine had reported that it would not announce its counter-offensive attacks. Last weekend, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, confirmed that they had started their counter-offensive actions. His announcement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Ukrainian efforts were failing.
Ukraine has been supported by the United States of America, the European Union, and NATO members. All committees have extended financial aid, military assistance, and political backing. The United States, in particular, has supplied advanced war weapons such as drones and anti-tank missiles. This has helped Ukraine’s efforts to claim back their country, and a glimmer of hope can be sensed after months of tension.
Putin motivates his citizens
Recognizing the challenges he is facing in Ukraine, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, addressed the country. He emphasized the need to stand strong against external attacks. Putin also urged the citizens to support the separatist forces.
Putin’s words reflect the growing concerns in the Kremlin region and the shift in power dynamics. There have been numerous setbacks for the Russian forces in recent days. Russia’s strategy has been questioned after Ukraine managed to reclaim seven villages.
The contrary has become the truth despite Putin’s words for his citizens to not lose hope and continue their support. There are signs of dissatisfaction among Russian citizens. Russia has been facing numerous sanctions imposed by neighbouring countries that have affected its economy. There has also been scrutiny over the growing number of casualties among the Russian troops.
Kakhovka Dam Attack
On June 5th, 2023, the Kakhovka dam, a Soviet era dam on the Dnipro River, was breached. The attack released tons of water into the war zone. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces gave conflicting reports and blamed each other for the breach.
Built in 1956, the dam supplies water to the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine was the first to comment on the attack, blaming Russian forces for it. On the other hand, Russia blamed Ukrainian forces for damaging the dam’s upper part of the hydraulic structure.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said that over 42 people and seven children were missing after the attack. Around 10 people have succumbed to their injuries. The Kherson region is home to around 3,800 houses and around 22,000 people. The Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denys Shymhal, has asked everyone in the Kherson region to evacuate to safety.
