Ukraine moves to secure territorial gains
BALAKLIIA: Ukraine worked yesterday to secure territory reclaimed from occupying Russian forces in a swift counteroffensive and reiterated plans to win back all occupied regions, as US President Joe Biden predicted ‘‘a long haul’’ ahead.
In an address, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said around 8000sq km had been liberated by Ukrainian forces so far this month, apparently all in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.
‘‘Stabilisation measures’’ had been completed in about half of that territory, Zelenskiy said, ‘‘and across a liberated area of about the same size, stabilisation measures are still ongoing’’.
Reuters was not able to immediately verify the full scope of battlefield successes claimed by Ukraine.
Asked whether Ukraine had reached a turning point in the sixmonth war, Biden said it was hard to tell.
‘‘It’s clear the Ukrainians have made significant progress. But I think it’s going to be a long haul.’’
The White House, which has provided billions of dollars of weapons and support to Ukraine, has said the United States is likely to announce a new military aid package in ‘‘coming days’’.
Since Moscow abandoned its main bastion in the northeast on
Sunday, Ukrainian troops have recaptured dozens of towns in a stunning shift in battleground momentum.
Speaking in the central square of Balakliia, a crucial military supply hub taken by Ukrainian forces late last week, Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said 150,000 people had been liberated from Russian rule.
‘‘The aim is to liberate the Kharkiv region and beyond — all the territories occupied by the Russian Federation,’’ Malyar said. Balakliia lies 74km southeast of Kharkiv.
With Ukraine’s flag flying in the city once again, people clamoured for supplies, and spoke of all they endured.
‘‘I was walking away . . . when I saw an armoured personnel carrier coming on to the square with a Ukrainian flag: my heart just tightened up and I began to sob,’’ resident Mariya Tymofiyeva (43) said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syehubov said authorities were trying to record crimes committed by Russians during their occupation of the area, and recover the bodies of victims.
‘‘We’re asking everyone around about all the places of burial which can be found.’’
Moscow denies its forces have committed atrocities in areas they have controlled since President Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘‘special military operation’’ on February 24.
Meanwhile, repair crews have restored the two main power lines supplying Kharkiv city and its surrounds, power firm Ukrenergo said after Russian shelling caused blackouts.
Kyiv fears Moscow will step up attacks on its energy networks as winter approaches and is pleading for antiaircraft technology from the West to protect infrastructure.
On top of the setbacks in Ukraine, Russian authorities are also facing challenges in other former Soviet republics.
About 100 people have been killed this week in the deadliest fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia since a 2020 war, prompting Putin to appeal for calm.
Yesterday, shooting broke out between guards patrolling the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Russian news agencies said, citing the Kyrgyz border service. — Reuters