Putin admits intensified Ukraine counteroffensive as 'intense frontal assault' launched

Kyiv has claimed a counteroffensive breakthrough in southeastern Ukraine after weeks of deadlock, as Vladimir Putin acknowledges “significantly” intensified Ukrainian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that soldiers had retaken control of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region next to the Zaporizhzhia province.

With the news, Zelensky penned a rallying cry: “Our South! Our guys! Glory to Ukraine!”

Though the Russian President admitted that Ukraine’s attacks had “significantly” intensified, he rejected the claim that any counteroffensive gains had been made.

Ukrainian soldiers say they have recaptured the Ukrainian village of Staromaiorske, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this screen grab from video posted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and released on July 27, 2023.

Telegram/V_Zelenskiy_official/via Reuters

Driving the narrative, Putin said: "All counter-offensive attempts were stopped, and the enemy was pushed back with high casualties."

However, Putin was contradicted by Russian-backed militia leader, Aleksandr Khodakovsky, who said that Ukraine had made ground around Staromaiorske after days of heavy shelling.

Reacting to the news of the potential liberation, Russian military blogger WarGonzo voiced concerns that the village was a crucial frontline outpost for Russia.

Though Ukraine announced its counteroffensive last month to great fanfare from the West, progress has been slow going.

Medics help injured Ukrainian servicemen inside a frontline medical stabilisation point, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ukraine July 27, 2023.

REUTERS/Stringer

As a result, pressure has grown on Ukraine to demonstrate tangible gains, as financial and military backers demand returns on their investment.

Kyiv’s top brass have pointed towards Russia bedding into fortified defensive lines and laying rows of minefields as reasoning for delays.

Ukraine Defence Minister Hanna Maliar described a "gradual advance" towards the two cities of Melitopol and Berdyansk.

However, there are signs that Ukraine is looking to turn the screw and find some momentum before the expected September arrival of US Abrams tanks.

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A medic speaks with an injured Ukrainian serviceman inside a frontline medical stabilisation point, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ukraine July 27, 2023.

Reuters

The US-based Institute for the Study of War claimed an "intense frontal assault" had been ordered in the direction of Robotyne, south-east of Zaporzhhia city and 10km (6 miles) south of the town of Orikhiv.

Another area of increased activity for Ukrainian forces lies south of Bakhmut, the eastern city that has become the bloodiest battleground of the war so far.

Maliar said of the Bakhmut regions: "The fighting is pretty harsh. Enemy fire is intense.”

Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has spoken of thwarting a Ukrainian drone attack overnight.

Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan looks on during her video statement released July 27, 2023 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video.

Olga Kharlan/Instagram

Elsewhere, Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan has been disqualified from the World Fencing Championships for refusing to shake Russian Anna Smirnov's hand.

Kharlan had beaten Smirnova 15-7 in Milan but refused to shake hands after the bout, instead offering a sabre tip to tap.

Taking offence, Smirnova staged a 45-minute protest, initially standing her ground on the piste before being offered a chair to continue her protest in comfort.

Unperturbed by Smirnova's theatrics, Kharlan said afterwards: "My message today is that we Ukrainian athletes are ready to face Russians on the sports field but we will never shake hands with them."