Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday a significant victory for Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian soldiers have successfully reclaimed territory from Moscow’s forces in an eastern village situated to the south of Bakhmut.
In a video message, President Zelensky commended the dedicated soldiers responsible for the territorial recovery, stating, “Today I would like to particularly commend the soldiers who, step by step, are returning to Ukraine what belongs to it, namely in the area of Bakhmut.”
This recently regained area had been seized by Russian forces during intense fighting in May, following the commencement of Russia’s special military operation in February 2022.
The Ukrainian President’s chief of staff expressed national pride, stating on Telegram, “Ukraine always gets its own back.”
President Zelensky specifically recognized the successful units involved in the operation, including the 80th airborne assault brigade, the 5th assault brigade, the renowned “95th,” and a national police assault brigade. He praised their efforts, particularly in the village of Klischiivka.
A video shared by Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar showcased Ukrainian forces displaying their national flag amid the backdrop of damaged buildings and the sounds of ongoing combat. Maliar commented on Telegram, “Russia was still trying to regain lost positions despite the village’s liberation. Today we had to fight off enemy attacks all day.”
Ukraine’s ground forces commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirmed the reclamation of territory previously claimed by Russia in January. The village had a pre-war population of approximately 400 and is situated about six miles (nine km) south of Bakhmut.
Ilia Yevlash, spokesperson for Ukrainian troops in the east, reported significant damage to Russian airborne units, the Akhmat battalion led by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, the Russian criminal organization known as Storm-Z, Russian military intelligence from the General Staff, and motorized rifle units. Yevlash stated, “So, now we have gained a base that will allow us to continue to develop offensive actions and liberate our land from the invaders.”
