MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia stated on Monday it had made an essential advance in jap Ukraine however Russian battle bloggers stated Moscow’s forces have been persevering with to fend off a serious Ukrainian assault inside western Russia.
The Russian defence ministry stated its forces had captured the city of Kurakhove which lies 32 km (20 miles) south of Pokrovsk, an essential Ukrainian logistics hub in the direction of which Russia has been advancing for months.
On the identical time, Russian battle bloggers stated Ukraine was attacking inside Russia’s Kursk area for a second day on Monday, with one describing the state of affairs as worrying.
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Ukraine started a brand new offensive on Sunday in Kursk, the place its forces broke throughout the border on Aug. 6 and for the previous 5 months have resisted Russian makes an attempt to expel them.
Russia’s defence ministry stated its forces beat again the primary Ukrainian assaults on Sunday simply north of a freeway working in the direction of regional capital Kursk.
However Russian army bloggers – a gaggle of battle correspondents and consultants who, whereas supporting Moscow’s effort, have typically criticised its shortcomings – stated fierce combating was persevering with for a second day.
“The morning within the Kursk area is beginning off worryingly once more. It’s apparent that yesterday’s failure is not going to cease the enemy and he’ll attempt to impose his will on us once more in the present day,” one blogger, Yuri Podolyaka, posted on Telegram.
Russia controls a few fifth of Ukraine after practically three years of battle, however Ukraine’s sudden success in biting off and retaining a slice of Russian territory may increase its negotiating place as each side gear up for attainable peace talks this yr.
Each have been striving to enhance their battlefield positions earlier than U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20. Trump has repeatedly stated he’ll deliver a fast finish to the battle, however with out saying how.
(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Maxim Rodionov; Enhancing by Bernadette Baum)
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