Victorious news on 498th day of war: Ukrainian forces regain previously occupied territories near Bakhmut and IMF improves economic outlook for Ukraine

Ukrainian Armed Forces return previously occupied territories near Bakhmut

The Defence Forces continue to advance in the Bakhmut sector.

"The defence forces are making progress and advancing. We have returned the previously occupied territories," General Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote on his Telegram channel.

At the same time, according to the spokesman for the Eastern Grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Serhiy Cherevatyi, over the past day, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have advanced one kilometre in the Bakhmut sector and neutralised more than 61 enemy soldiers.

"The defence forces continue to hold the initiative (in the Bakhmut sector - ed.), putting pressure on the enemy, conducting assault operations, advancing along the northern and southern flanks. In particular, over a kilometre was covered during the last day," said Cherevatyi.

A total of 7 combat engagements took place, during which 61 invaders were neutralised, 116 more wounded and five captured.

Ukraine to receive attack helicopters from the Czech Republic

At a joint press conference in Prague with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced the supply of helicopters and pilot training on F-16s

"The Czech Republic will provide Ukraine with more attack helicopters and hundreds of thousands of large-calibre ammunition, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Straka Academy," the statement said.

The prime minister said that the Czech Republic would take part in the training of Ukrainian pilots, including on F-16 fighter jets. The country will also provide simulators so that pilots can train in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy, who is on a two-day visit to Prague, stressed that the Czech Republic provides no less assistance than major European countries and responds in a very flexible and timely manner.

Slovakia to produce 16 Zuzana 2 howitzers for Ukraine

Ukraine and Slovakia have signed a contract for the production of 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery systems.

"I am grateful for the defence support, for all these months, including the support now. The day before, we signed a contract for the production of 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers," Zelenskyy said.

Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers

Photo: mezha.media

In addition, the countries agreed to jointly produce ammunition.

Ukrainian Armed Forces target two Russian companies in the Tavriya sector

In the Tavria sector, the Defence Forces continue to drive the enemy out of their positions, destroying their equipment and manpower. General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi reported on the success of Ukrainian defenders in this sector.

"The artillery units of the Defence Forces completed 1247 firing missions over the last day. Over the last day, Russia’s losses in killed and wounded amounted to almost two companies," said General Tarnavskyi. 

"Twenty-eight units of enemy military equipment were targeted. In particular, 6 tanks, 5 armoured personnel carriers, 4 D-30 cannons, 2S9 Nona self-propelled artillery system, 3 Orlan-10 UAVs, Acacia self-propelled artillery system, Murom-M long-range visual surveillance system, electronic warfare station and vehicles. An enemy ammunition depot was also destroyed."

IMF sees economic recovery in Ukraine

In the first quarter of 2023, Ukraine's GDP grew by 2.4% compared to a 29.1% drop at the end of last year.  This is stated in the IMF report on the results of the first review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme for Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

GDP growth of 2.4% indicates a significant recovery in economic activity, as well as the adaptation of businesses and households to the war, the IMF said. "Business surveys confirm the improvement in sentiment," the document says.

Ukraine's foreign exchange market conditions have also improved due to continued external inflows and seasonal factors, including sales of foreign currency by agricultural producers. The difference between the official and cash exchange rates has stabilised at around 2-4% since March, while the NBU's monthly net foreign exchange sales stabilised at $1.6 billion in March-May, compared to $2.9 billion in winter. At the same time, the Ukrainian economy may be negatively affected by the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, which led to the loss of a significant portion of arable land.