‘Intensified’ combat on; Putin says counteroffensive failing

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine ssaid Sunday said fighting had “intensified” on the eastern front as Russian President Vladimir Putin deemed Kyiv’s counteroffensive a failure.

Putin is yet to decide if Russia will renew the grain deal -- expiring late Monday -- that allowed the resumption of Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea, temporarily halted when the invasion began in February 2022.

Ukraine last month began its highly anticipated fightback after stockpiling Western weapons and building up its offensive forces.

It has however admitted difficult battles and called on the United States and other allies to pro - vide long-range weapons and artillery.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Ganna Malyar said “the situation has somewhat intensified in the east.”

“For two days in a row, the enemy has been actively attacking in the Kupiansk sector in the Kharkiv region. We are on the defense,” Malyar wrote on Telegram. She nevertheless said Ukrainian forces were “gradually moving forward” near the eastern city of Bakhmut, which Russian forces seized in May.

She said Ukrainian soldiers were advancing south of Bakhmut and trying to hold their positions in the north.

On the front near Bakhmut, a commander of the artillery battalion of the 22nd separate mechanized brigade told AFP he was satisfied with the counteroffensive but said progress was painful.

“Any day that we take back 10, 20, 100 metres is already a big win and achievement,” said the commander under the call sign “Bulat”.

Battery commander “Volyna” told AFP “we are encircling Bakhmut, kicking out (Russians) of Klyshchyvka,” a village south of the hotspot city.

Bakhmut, once home to 70,000 people and known for its sparkling wine and salt mine, has been destroyed by the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.

“In Bakhmut itself, we are shelling the enemy, and the enemy is shelling us,” Malyar said. AFP