File image.
Between June 22 and 23, Kiev forces launched several attacks in the Zaporozhye and south Donetsk sectors as a part of their so-called spring counteroffensive. However, they failed to make any new gains.
In Zaporozhye, Ukrainian troops attempted to advance from the direction of Orekhov towards Tokmak and Pologi. However, they failed to overrun Russian defenses. Meanwhile in Donetsk, there were several Ukrainian attacks in the depiction of Ugleader. All of which were repelled.
Despite failing to advance, Ukrainian news sources reported a deep breakthrough in the direction of Urozhainjoe and Sadovoe in the south Donetsk sector. This was however quickly denied by the Russian Ministry of Defense, which released footage from the two settlements.
Kiev forces suffered more losses during their failed advance attempts. Two videos that surfaced online showed strikes by Ka-52 attack helicopters against four Ukrainian main battle tank tanks and armored vehicles as well as an artillery strike that allegedly destroyed a German-made Leopard 2 tank. A third video that was released by the Russian MoD showed recent infantry operations along the frontline.
Overnight there were also reports of a new Russian missile strike on the rear of Kiev forces. Explosions were reportedly heard near the city of Zaporozhye.
Faced with slow advance and heavy losses, Kiev forces have reportedly expanded general mobilization. Residents of the Obolonsky district in the Ukrainian capital who are eligible for mobilization were asked to report to the military recruitment offices within ten days, even if they do not receive a personal notice.
The western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankovsk has already enacted the same measure and the Obolonsky district commissariat has also referred to the same ten-day deadline.
Kiev launched its counteroffensive on June 4. Since then, its forces have captured a few small villages located 10-20 kilometers away from the Russian first line of defense. These came at a heavy human and material cost. Still, the counteroffensive is expected to go for weeks, if not months.
