MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia stated on Monday it had made a significant breakthrough in jap Ukraine, however Russian warfare bloggers stated Moscow’s forces continued to repel a significant Ukrainian assault in western Russia.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated its forces had captured the city of Kurakhove which lies 32 km (20 miles) south of Pokrovsk, a significant Ukrainian logistics hub in direction of which Russia has been advancing for months.
At the identical time, Russian warfare bloggers stated Ukraine was attacking inside Russia’s Kursk area for a second day on Monday, with one among them describing the scenario as worrying.
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Ukraine started a brand new offensive Sunday in Kursk, the place its forces broke by way of the border on Aug. 6 and have resisted Russian makes an attempt to expel them for the previous 5 months.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated its forces repelled the primary Ukrainian assaults on Sunday simply north of a freeway that runs towards the regional capital Kursk.
But Russian army bloggers – a bunch of warfare correspondents and consultants who, whereas supportive of Moscow’s efforts, have typically criticized its shortcomings – stated the fierce combating continues for a second day.
“The morning within the Kursk area begins worryingly once more. It is apparent that yesterday’s failure is not going to cease the enemy and he’ll attempt to impose his will on us once more at the moment,” blogger Yuri Podolyaka wrote on Telegram.
Russia controls a few fifth of Ukraine after practically three years of warfare, however Ukraine’s surprising success in wresting and holding a slice of Russian territory may strengthen its negotiating place as each side put together for attainable peace talks this 12 months.
Both have sought to enhance their battlefield positions earlier than US President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on January 20. Trump has repeatedly stated he’ll finish the warfare rapidly, however with out saying how.
(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
