Ukrainian forces advance near Klishchiivka. Russia deploys reserves in Bakhmut direction. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Advancement of Ukrainian Defense Forces in Eastern and Southern Ukraine

The Ukrainian forces are systematically defeating the enemy in the Tavria direction and achieving success in the east near Bakhmut. Two Ukrainian generals, Oleksandr Syrskyi and Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, shared this information in an interview with NBC News, an American television company. During the interview, Syrskyi was asked if Ukraine's American allies are pressuring for a faster counteroffensive. He responded that none of the allies are pushing for a quicker pace. Syrskyi also mentioned that the Ukrainian military themselves are eager to reclaim our territory as soon as possible. However, it is challenging to move faster in the face of strong enemy resistance. Currently, everything is progressing according to the planned and approved strategies. The interview took place after Syrskyi returned from Bakhmut, which remains the most intense area on the front line.

Today, the spokesperson of the General Staff announced that Ukrainian troops are continuing to exert pressure on the enemy both north and south of the city, forcing them out of their occupied positions. Progress has also been made in the Klishchiivka area. Specifically, we are referring to the heights in front of Klishchiivka where the enemy had maintained a stronghold for a prolonged period. The enemy fiercely resisted and held onto this position for many days. However, after several days of battle, Ukraine’s forces successfully expelled the enemy with the combined efforts of two brigades using armored vehicles. The enemy attempted to counterattack our troops from the Ivanivske side to block the assault, but our military skillfully repelled the counterattack. The defense forces launched a second assault to fully dislodge the enemy from their occupied positions, and our troops are now stationed there. It is anticipated that with less effort, the enemy will be forced out from other positions in the future.

In another part of the Bakhmut area, there are important events happening. Specifically, we're referring to the southern side, which includes Klishchiivka, Kurdyumivka, and Andriivka. Our units are putting pressure on this entire line. Behind this line is route 0513, which the enemy is using to support their forces. Currently, there are favorable conditions for pressing the enemy in this direction and creating a situation where Bakhmut could be surrounded. However, it's worth noting that the enemy is bringing in additional reserves and building fortifications to slow down the advance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russia is moving its reserves towards the Bakhmut area

It was confirmed by Mykola Volokhov, the commander of the aerial reconnaissance unit Terra. Previously, enemy armored vehicles were rarely seen in the Bakhmut area, but now their presence has significantly increased. However, our soldiers are successfully destroying enemy equipment using artillery and drones.

Volokhov also discussed the tactics employed by our military in Bakhmut. He mentioned that Ukrainian forces often set up ambushes to target enemy armored vehicles. Chasing after the enemy's equipment is not considered effective as it requires time for search and targeting. Instead, it is more practical to monitor the enemy's movement routes and engage with prepared fire means.

Volokhov emphasized that his unit's primary focus is twofold. Firstly, integrating the knowledge and skills of the unit's servicemen, and secondly, developing and implementing new technologies to enhance their operations. Training follows a standard procedure, starting with theory and then moving on to practical exercises. During the initial outings, recruits are guided by instructors who demonstrate the unit's operations.

Monitoring the use of international military aid

Oleksandra Ustynova, a member of parliament and head of the Temporary investigative commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine responsible for monitoring international military aid, discussed the commission's work. She mentioned that her commission collaborates with all international partners who provide weapons to Ukraine. Ustynova highlighted the importance of the commission's findings aligning with those of American partners. A few months ago, the Pentagon's inspector general conducted a thorough analysis of how Ukraine utilizes weapons supplied by the United States. In a closed session of Congress, the inspector general confirmed that no evidence was found to suggest Ukraine's misuse of the weapons. Ustynova stressed the significance of such outcomes as they impact Ukraine's ongoing support. She also mentioned that the commission maintains regular communication with military attachés from different countries, who have expressed no concerns regarding the impractical use of their provided weapons.