KEY POINTS
- The Ukrainian army said it repelled the Russian offensive in the direction of Volodymyrivka
- Ukrainian soldiers also stopped Russian efforts to advance in Maryinka and Bilohirka
- The UAF General Staff said the Russian military is struggling to replenish its losses
The Armed Forces of Ukraine on Wednesday said it successfully stopped Russian soldiers from advancing their positions in several locations in the country, forcing the Russians to retreat.
Ukrainian soldiers repelled Russian attacks carried out in the village of Berestove in Kyiv and in the direction of Volodymyrivka in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian army also inflicted heavy losses on the Russian military, forcing it to retreat from its positions, according to a report from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (UAF).
The armed forces also stopped an offensive launched by the Russians in the direction of Novoselivka Druga and Donetsk, as well as efforts by Moscow’s troops to advance in the direction of Maryinka and Bilohirka.
The UAF General Staff said Russia is struggling to replenish its military units after suffering massive losses. It is unclear how many Russian soldiers were killed Wednesday. The Kremlin has yet to announce its official military losses. However, an estimate by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine puts the death toll among Russian soldiers at 41,350.
The UAF General Staff’s report comes as the war stretches into its sixth month. When the invasion began in February, the Russian army aimed to take over the capital city of Kyiv. However, Ukraine’s defenses forced the Russian army to retreat and refocus its efforts on taking over the eastern region of Donbas instead.
In early July, Russia announced that it had taken full control of the Luhansk province, one of the key areas in the Donbas region. Moscow is now focusing on taking over the Donetsk province. In response, the Ukrainian government is now working to evacuate civilians from the Donetsk region. The first train carrying evacuees left Tuesday.
“The first train arrived in Kropyvnytskyi this morning. Women, children, the elderly, many people with limited mobility. Everyone was met and accommodated, everyone was helped,” Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on her Telegram channel, as translated by CNN. “Thanks to local services, international organizations and volunteers.”
The first train had 136 passengers, including 44 people with limited mobility, the publication said, citing data from Ukrainian Railways.
A view shows a destroyed building, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, following shelling in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released on July 31, 2022. Press service of the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor's Office/Handout via REUTERS Photo: Reuters / PRESS SERVICE OF THE MYKOLAIV RE
