According to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, the country’s armed forces have made further advances around the Russian-held town of Bakhmut. As Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar reported on Telegram on Monday, Ukraine was able to gain an additional three square kilometers near the disputed city in the east in the last week. Since the start of their counter-offensive in June, Ukrainian troops have regained control of 47 square kilometers around Bakhmut.

Maljar reported that Russian forces are trying to regain their lost positions south of the city. In addition, Russia is intensifying its offensives in other regions in the east, particularly near Kupyansk in Kharkiv province. “The Russians launch several attacks every day and regularly bomb the area,” said Maljar. Because of the growing threats, Ukraine ordered the evacuation of residents from the outskirts of Kupyansk at the end of August. Maljar also mentioned that Russian attacks are also continuing in the eastern cities of Lyman, Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region.

Ukraine is advancing towards Melitopol

In the southern part of Ukraine, national troops are continuing their march towards the strategic coastal city of Melitopol on the Sea of ​​Azov, with Maljar not sharing specific details about the newly won territory.

For more than 18 months, Ukraine has been defending itself against an invading Russian force, with significant Western support. Kyiv launched a previously announced counter-offensive about three months ago. During this period, Ukraine’s territorial gains are estimated at around 250 square kilometers. Despite these advances, Russia still controls about 100,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, which it has annexed since 2014.