There were reports indicating intense fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region, raising the possibility of a new phase in Kyiv's southern counteroffensive.
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On Wednesday, Russia's Defense Ministry stated that Ukrainian forces launched a significant attack in the Zaporizhzhia region, specifically south of the town of Orikhiv. This development has raised the possibility of a new phase in Kyiv's southern counteroffensive.
According to Igor Konashenkov, the chief spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine deployed three battalions with tank reinforcements for the attack. However, he also mentioned that the attack, described as "massive," and another one near Robotyne, a village held by Russia, approximately eight miles southeast of Orikhiv, were successfully repelled.
It is important to note that the accuracy of Mr. Konashenkov's comments, as reported by the Russian state news agency Tass, could not be independently verified, and there were no direct comments from Ukrainian officials. Nevertheless, the region south of Orikhiv is a critical battleground in Ukraine's efforts to expel Russian forces from the south and east of the country, and both sides have been bolstering their forces in this area.
Western authorities have issued new warnings regarding Russia's Black Sea Fleet, highlighting its increasingly aggressive actions in the waters off southern Ukraine. This escalation in tensions comes in the aftermath of Russia's withdrawal from an internationally brokered agreement, which had allowed
Ukraine to export large quantities of grain.
On Wednesday, the British military intelligence agency stated that the Russian naval fleet is preparing to enforce a blockade against Ukraine. This warning comes on the heels of recent statements by U.S. and British officials, expressing concerns that Russia might target civilian ships in the Black Sea.
Since the collapse of the grain export deal on July 17, Russia has been conducting nightly bombardments on Ukraine's ports and grain infrastructure. In response, Russia has issued warnings to all vessels entering or leaving Ukrainian territory, stating that they are at risk. Kyiv, in turn, has declared its intent to expand its efforts to counter Russian actions at sea. This situation has contributed to the escalating tensions in the region.