If we talk about changes on the front line, we're only seeing small movements in meters. However, we need to remember that these small gains come at a high cost. According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Armed Forces were able to advance between 200 and 500 meters in the Bakhmut direction, and 350 meters in the Zaporizhzhia direction. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, there are several formed directions for our forces. We have an offensive from Lobkove, movement from Orikhove to Tokmak, an advance south from Velyka Novosilka towards Staromlynivka, and combat operations in the Vuhledar area. These four directions are actively forming and could become quite active. Our individual companies and battalions are carrying out these combat operations with minimal involvement of the newly created brigades and main reserve forces. The enemy has started using some of its reserves for counterattacks, which is significant, especially considering that these reserves are being destroyed.
The Russian occupying forces have built strong fortifications in the Zaporizhzhia direction, posing the biggest challenge for the Defense Forces. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also mentioned these defense lines. He acknowledged that the Ukrainian troops initially showed success in their offensive, but warned that advancing on Russian-occupied territories could become bloody and brutal because the Russian troops had time to strengthen their defenses. Although the General Staff of the Armed Forces understands these challenges, Ukraine needs to conduct a unique and well-planned operation to liberate its territories. Despite the difficulties of conducting such an operation without an air force, the potential of the Ukrainian army has significantly grown. However, it's important to remember that significant results should not be expected immediately. Ukraine is undertaking an unprecedented offensive operation that no NATO country or the USA has carried out. Therefore, the Armed Forces' offensive will require bravery, weaponry, and unconventional decisions from the military leadership of the country.
Heavy fighting is ongoing around Bakhmut, according to Major Maksym Zhorin, the former commander of the Azov regiment. The fighting continues day and night, and the situation remains consistently difficult and tense. The enemy has more equipment, personnel, artillery, and ammunition. Russian aviation is also active in the Bakhmut area. Despite the enemy's advantage, Ukrainian units are gradually advancing by finding weak spots in the enemy's defense. The Defense Forces make daily progress in the Bakhmut direction, while the enemy tries to hold their lines.
The enemy is transferring a significant number of reserve units to the Bakhmut area, attempting to slow down the movement of Ukrainian units. However, they will not be able to completely stop the advance of the Defense Forces towards Bakhmut. Russian paratroopers have been captured, indicating that the Russians have started deploying landing forces to stabilize the front and regain lost positions.
Regarding Russian aviation, Zhorin mentioned that they carry out multiple attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Bakhmut area every day using guided or unguided missiles. The Russians have also resorted to using unguided aerial bombs, causing significant damage. Ukrainian military in the Bakhmut region utilizes mobile air defense systems to counter Russian aircraft. However, their effectiveness is limited as the enemy is aware of their technical capabilities and avoids flying into the affected area.