The long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian troops began “days ago,” according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak. Ukraine does not want to attack Russian territory. They are also not involved in attacks in the Russian region of Belgorod.
“This is an intense war along a 900-mile border. Our actions have already begun,” added Podoliak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Regarding the attacks on Belgorod, he said that Russia and its president Vladimir Putin are not even able to defend their own territory: “What is happening in the border area is a shock to Putin and will lead to his end.”
“We use the weapons you gave us”
Addressing an Italian journalist, he said: “We are using the weapons you gave us to destroy Russian positions in Moscow-held territories, including Donbass and Crimea.” Podoljak.
Mercenaries leave Bachmut
Meanwhile, according to their boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian Wagner mercenaries have begun to withdraw from the eastern Ukrainian frontline town of Bakhmut. By June 1, the city should be fully under the control of regular Russian forces. The troops would retire to their camps to rest and prepare for the next sortie. Ukraine denied that the city, which had been contested for months, was completely under Russian control.
East of the country the ‘epicenter’ of the Russian attacks
Ukrainian deputy defense minister Hanna Maljar said on Thursday that Wagner troops in the outskirts of Bakhmut will be replaced by regular Russian soldiers. But Prigozhin’s fighters are still in the city. Ukrainian forces are said to currently control the suburbs southwest of Bakhmut themselves. The enemy tried to stop the advance of Kiev’s troops on the flanks with artillery fire. The actions of the Russians were unsuccessful.
Drone attacks again
Ukraine says it shot down 36 Iranian-made Shahed drones last night to repel all Russian airstrikes. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, military facilities and critical infrastructure in the west of the country were targeted by the drone strikes. Several drones were also intercepted in the airspace around the capital Kiev. According to Russian sources, six drones were also shot down on the Crimea peninsula annexed by Russia.
Saboteurs arrested
Meanwhile, the Russian secret service FSB has reported the arrest of Ukrainian “saboteurs”. Two Ukrainians are said to have made plans to blow up power poles at nuclear power plants in Russia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
