Ukrainian troops advance in Tavria area, enemy grows anxious and sabotages dams
Ukrainians are anxiously awaiting news of their army’s progress in the long-awaited offensive against Russian invasion forces, by the country’s military is remaining tight-lipped about the ongoing operation.
However, Valerii Shershnen, the
spokesperson for the Joint Press Center of Defense Forces in the Tavria region,
in an interview with Radio NV on June 11 did disclose some details about the
liberation of the village of Blahodatne in Donetsk Oblast, and the advances
made by Ukrainian forces on the border between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya oblasts.
NV: Could you explain what the
liberation of Blahodatne means for us?
Shershen: The Defense Forces of the Tavria
region have intensified their strikes against the enemy, effectively
dismantling their defensive capabilities and fortified positions in the
Yevhenivka and Novopavlivka areas. This offensive operation has resulted in
localized battles and significant advances. sonsequently, the village of Blahodatne,
situated south of the populated locality of Velyka Novosilka, has been
successfully liberated.
The liberation of Blahodatne was
accomplished through the collaborative efforts of soldiers from the Oleksa
Dovbush 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade, in conjunction with neighboring units of
the Defense Forces in the Tavria region. During the offensive, the deputy
commander of the brigade also participated in the first assault group, which
aimed to seize control of the village club, a well-equipped and fortified
position held by the enemy.
Despite fierce resistance from the
aggressors, the operation resulted in the successful capture of Russian
military personnel and individuals claiming affiliation with the so-called “Ministry
of Internal Affairs of the Donetsk People’s Republic.” The ravaged village
eagerly awaited liberation, and as the battles subsided, its inhabitants
emerged from their basements to warmly greet their liberators. This poignant
moment serves as a testament to the bravery and determination of our fighters,
who played a pivotal role in freeing this settlement.
It was Olimp, a dedicated fighter, who
proudly raised the Ukrainian flag above the village club, symbolizing the
restoration of freedom and the triumph of the Ukrainian forces.
NV: I would like to clarify: who were
among the occupiers? Were they regular Russian forces or other units? I
understand that both regular forces and some ‘LPR/DPR’ units.
Shershen: Yes, that’s correct. In addition
to that, there are also representatives of the so-called “Storm-Z Units,” which
were formed from former prisoners and now serve as representatives of the Armed
Forces of Russia.
NV: Reports are emerging from the enemy
side. Speaking specifically about Blahodatne, the occupiers mention neighboring
settlements that have either been liberated or possibly come under the fire
control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Can you provide any information on that?
Shershen: In general, we are referring to
the Vremivka and Novopavlivka directions, which are situated on the border of
Donetsk Oblast and Zaporizhzhya Oblast. The enemy is actively defending this
area in an attempt to hinder the advance of our units. They are making efforts
to regain lost positions and are mobilizing reserves. Additional units are also
being deployed to this region.
The enemy has suffered significant losses
in the vicinity of the village of Blahodatne and beyond, along the indicated
direction. They have resorted to cunning tactics, growing increasingly
apprehensive, and employing any means necessary to impede a breakthrough in
their defense.
Following the destruction of the Kakhovka
Hydroelectric Power Plant and the subsequent catastrophe, there have been
further attempts to undermine smaller reservoirs and dams. We recently received
information that the enemy has detonated a barrier hydrostructure near the
settlement of Novodarivka, resulting in the flooding of both banks of the Mokri
Yaliv River. However, it does not affect our ongoing counteroffensive
operations.
NV: The Ministry of Defense has reported
that Russians are withdrawing their most combat-ready units from the Kherson
region and redeploying them elsewhere. Do we have any information on their
exact destination?
Shershen: We are closely monitoring the
enemy’s movements and redeployments. While we may not have precise details on
their exact destinations, we understand their motives. Their actions are
primarily aimed at impeding any breakthrough in their defense, particularly in
the Vremivka and Novopavlivka directions. As our operations on the front lines
continue to intensify, the enemy is taking additional precautions and
reinforcing their defensive positions.
Furthermore, I would like to highlight that
the enemy conducted a significant airstrike on the settlement of Novopavlivka,
utilizing a Su-35 aircraft. This attack resulted in three individuals
sustaining injuries, the destruction of a private house, and damage to an
additional 10 residential buildings in the private sector.
In general, the Defense Forces of the
Tavria region have transitioned from a defensive stance to an offensive one.
This strategic shift has yielded initial localized outcomes and has contributed
to the liberation of various areas, including the village of Blahodatne.
NV: Was our transition to the offensive
phase a surprise for the enemy?
Shershen: We are engaged in a highly
advanced warfare scenario, where reconnaissance drones, intelligence teams, and
sophisticated surveillance capabilities are employed. Concealing our strategic
maneuvers becomes exceedingly difficult under such circumstances.
It’s worth noting that official reports
have consistently indicated that “the enemy is actively defending on the Tavria
front” in reference to our area of responsibility encompassing Zaporizhzhya and
Donetsk oblasts. The term “active defense” denotes the enemy’s lack of
knowledge regarding our precise breakthrough strategy and the imminent launch
of the long-awaited offensive.
However, this strategic breakthrough
involves a series of meticulously coordinated actions culminating in a
significant advance. It is important to highlight that the enemy has already
been employing dynamic and mobile active defense measures for a considerable time.
At present, our forces have achieved notable breakthroughs on our front lines.
A particularly intense enemy assault is
witnessed in Maryinka, where their objective is to capture the city, thus
creating favorable conditions for the encirclement of Avdiyivka. However, in
the regions of Zaporizhzhya and southern Donetsk Oblast, the enemy remains
entrenched in active defensive positions.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
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