Ukrainian troops are “slowly but surely” advancing on the front line in the east and southeast of the country, said the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army, General Valery Zaluzhny, Reuters reports.

After launching an expected counter-offensive this month, after nearly 16 months of war, Ukraine says it has taken control of several villages in the southeast.

Kyiv claims to have taken up positions on the flanks of Bakhmut, captured by Russian forces last month after fierce fighting.

Ukrainian commander-in-chief General Valery Zaluzhnyi told General Mark Milley at a meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff that his forces “managed to seize the strategic initiative.”

“The defense forces of Ukraine continue offensive actions, and we have made progress,” the Ukrainian commander wrote in Telegram, Reuters reports.

“The enemy is putting up strong resistance, suffering significant losses,” he added.

The Ukrainian army needs demining equipment

The head of the Ukrainian army told Milli about the necessary weapons for his forces, as well as means for demining. Ukrainian officials say that large areas of mined territory are an obstacle to any advance.

Valery Zaluzhny’s remarks came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi hailed progress “on all fronts” earlier this week as Ukraine’s counteroffensive appears to be intensifying.

Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday that the liberation of the village was not the “main event” of the offensive.

Speaking on national television on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Malyar noted the progress in the southern areas marked by the two occupied cities – Berdyansk and Mariupol.

“Every day there is progress,” said the Painter. “Yes, progress is slow, but it is sure.”

Russia sent its best soldiers to the south and east of Ukraine

The Russian army has redirected its forces both to the southern front and to Bakhmut, where Ukrainian forces have entrenched themselves in the areas around the city, Malyar also said.

“They’re redeploying their paratroopers and their assault teams both south and east,” she said. “They’re bringing in their best reserves right now.”

Malyar said heavy fighting continues in the east, where Russia has been concentrating its forces for months in a campaign to gain full control of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Offensive to Bakhmut, prelude to counteroffensive

Oleksandr Musienko, a Ukrainian military analyst, said the recapture of territory on the outskirts of Bakhmut is likely a prelude to plans to retake other territories, including the long-disputed towns of Aviivka and Maryinka.

“It makes no sense to enter Bakhmut itself now. The risk is too high,” he told Ukrainian Radio NV.

“But in the east, Ukraine gradually seized the initiative. Ukraine has improved its tactical positions without transferring significant reserves,” added Musienko.

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