Ukraine: We've freed 130 square kilometers from the launch of counteroffensive

Ukrainian forces have restored control of 130 square kilometers south from the launch of the counteroffensive, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said on June 26th.

She has said through her channel at Telegram that the Ukrainian Army continues to advance in Melitopol and Berdjansk, located in the Zaporizhja region, despite fierce Russian resistance and significant “losses to people and equipment.

Throughout the weekend, it says, the area of liberated territories has grown to 17 square miles [17 sq km].

The total “, from the start of the counteroffensiva, the liberated area in the south amounts to 130 square kilometers”, she said.

Ndaras, the Ukrainian Army General Staff, said in the daily report on June 26th that Ukrainian forces have successfully delayed Russian attacks in the Donjeck regions, and have fired 36 attacks on Lima, Bahmut, Avovka, Marinaka and other surrounding areas.

On 25 June, Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky discussed the counteroffensive with US President Joe Biden, saying the parties have co-ordinated their “positions before the NATO summit, held on 11-12 July in Lithuania.

The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war “special military operation” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The West has responded to Russia, striking the economy of this state with severe sanctions.

As a result of the war, thousands have died, and millions of others have been displaced from their homes.