Ukrainian Military Makes Gains in Offensive Against Russian Forces in Southeast Ukraine

The Ukrainian military has made gains in their offensive operations against Russian forces in southeast Ukraine, but it is not clear if these operations are part of a long-awaited major offensive.

Russian officials claim that their forces have foiled at least one Ukrainian assault.

Ukrainian forces are trying to end the battlefield stalemate and punch through Russian defensive lines.

Russian-backed officials in Ukraine's partly occupied Zaporizhzhia province said fighting resumed on the border with the eastern Donetsk province after Russian defenses beat back a Ukrainian advance the previous day.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar confirmed that the Ukrainian military has scored gains, but refused to distinguish between phases of the war, saying that Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion "contains everything, including counter-offensive actions." Retired British General Richard Barrons said Ukraine is "clearly in the preliminary phase" of its counteroffensive, which will include politics, diplomacy, information, and cyber warfare.