Russia aims to breach Ukraine's northeastern defense line

Video released by Ukrainian ground forces shows their commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, meeting troops at an undisclosed location in a forest. He says in the video that fighting in Kupiansk-Lyman has "escalated significantly".

Russia aims to attack northeastern Ukraine, picture 1 — General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Photo: Reuters

“Russia is seriously preparing for offensive actions, mobilizing personnel,” Mr. Syrskyi said in a video posted on the messaging app Telegram. “The main goal is to penetrate the defenses of our army.”

The recapture of the towns of Kupiansk and Lyman last year near Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv was a key step in the Ukrainian army's counter-offensive.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops repelled 10 Ukrainian attacks in the Kupiansk region and two more in nearby Lyman.

Ukraine launched a counter-offensive in June, focusing on retaking land in the east, mainly around Bakhmut, which had been captured by Russian forces in May, and pushing south towards the Sea of Azov.

However, many Western experts say the offensive is moving too slowly.

The focus of the fighting over the past week has been Avdiivka, a town further southwest known for its large coke plant. A top local official in Avdiivka said the city was now in a lull but expected a new offensive soon.

"We expect new waves of powerful attacks in the coming days," said Vitaliy Barabash, head of the military administration of Avdiivka.

The town is of strategic importance, as Avdiivka is located about 20 km west of Donetsk, the region's main city.

Trung Kien (according to Reuters)

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