Ukrainian armed forces have stopped the Russian offensive on the eastern cities of Kupyansk and Lyman and are advancing south, a senior Ukrainian Defense Ministry official said on Friday, Reuters reports.

“We had very fierce battles on the Kupyansk and Lymansk directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television.

Ukraine is in the early stages of its most ambitious counteroffensive since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022 and says it has recaptured eight villages, its first major battlefield victory in seven months.

But Russia still holds parts of territory in the east and south of Ukraine, and Ukrainian forces have yet to break through the main defensive lines, which Russia spent months preparing.

“Indeed, the main events are still ahead of us. And the main blow is yet to come. Indeed, part of the reserves are phased things – will be used later,” said Malyar.

She said Russian forces are still seeking to gain control over all of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.

The advance of Ukrainian troops is hindered by minefields

Ukraine’s military operation in the south is going according to plan, its forces are advancing, even if they are hampered by minefields, she said.

“In the military, judging by their reports and positions, everything is going according to plan. We should not expect that the offensive will be something very quick,” said Malyar.

“Every day we move forward, every day. Yes, it is gradual, but our forces are entrenched at these frontiers and are constantly advancing,” Malyar emphasized.

Reuters says it was unable to verify the situation on the battlefield.

Each camp says the other has suffered heavy losses since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive, and Moscow does not recognize Ukraine’s recent military gains.

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