Intense fighting in South and active hostilities in Kupiansk direction — military expert Serhiy Zgurets 

Updates on the current military situation. AFU counteroffensive in the South 

In the southern region of Ukraine, the Ukrainian forces are engaged in offensive actions. They are launching attacks against the initial defense lines of the Russian occupying forces across different areas of the front, ranging from Vasylivka to the western part of Donetsk region. The President of Ukraine recently commented on the counteroffensive, stating that progress is slow due to extensive enemy mining, covering an area of over 200,000 square kilometers. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's counteroffensive should not be compared to a movie. He also hinted at external pressures faced by Ukraine but assured that the Ukrainian military command would independently determine the best course of action. The President expressed confidence in the Ukrainian army's ability to navigate the battlefield effectively. Meanwhile, Pentagon representative Sabrina Singh stated that the US understood the immense difficulty and challenges involved in Ukraine's counteroffensive, yet believed that Ukraine possessed the necessary resources for a successful offensive.

The spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces reported partial successes in the Melitopol and Berdyansk areas. Specifically, progress was made along the Novodanylivka-Robotyne, Mala Tokmachka-Verbove, and Vilne Pole-Makarivka lines. The enemy is attempting counterattacks to regain lost territories.

Simultaneously, in the Kupiansk-Svatove and Kreminna-Bilohorivka areas, the enemy has become more active. The Russian group Zapad operates in this direction, facilitated through the Russian-controlled Valuiky. The fiercest battles are currently taking place near Bilohorivka. The enemy is employing tactics similar to those used in the Bakhmut direction, utilizing attackers supported by mechanized and airborne troops, as well as artillery and aviation. Their objective is to strengthen defense lines and divert Ukrainian forces from other areas. However, it is unlikely that this strategy will succeed.

Regarding Bakhmut, our units continue to exert pressure on the enemy's flanks around the city. The primary objective for the Defense Forces in the Bakhmut direction remains the occupation of heights surrounding the city. Several brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, notably the 3rd separate assault brigade, are actively involved in the ongoing battles for Bakhmut.

Intense fighting ongoing in the Bakhmut area

A sniper from the 3rd separate assault brigade, Roman Trokhymets, mentioned that Ukrainian units have suffered fewer losses compared to the enemy. The Defense Forces are currently engaged in significant offensive actions. Trokhymets shared an incident from his unit's operations where they attacked the enemy's positions with over 20 soldiers. Out of the 100 enemy personnel, they eliminated more than 50 Russians, captured 5, and the rest fled. Remarkably, no Ukrainian soldiers were killed in this attack. This outcome reflects not just luck but the result of hard work and continuous training.

Trokhymets also discussed the equipment of Ukrainian and Russian forces. He acknowledged that the Russian military is well-equipped and possesses modern weapons in some cases. He also mentioned that Russian troops are constantly rotating in the Bakhmut area, both during the day and at night. Despite their fear, the Russians have considerable firepower. Trokhymets emphasized that Russian commanders consistently push their subordinates into battle.