**Ukrainian Forces Gain Ground in Donetsk Oblast**
In a recent development, Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 16 square kilometers of territory near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. This breakthrough was announced by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on April 17.
According to Syrskyi, the recaptured territory includes areas near the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne, and Shevchenko. He also stated that Ukrainian forces are successfully halting around 30 Russian assaults daily in the Pokrovsk sector, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops.
**Slowdown in Russian Offensive**
The recent territorial gains by Ukrainian forces come as Russia’s offensive operations have slowed down significantly after months of steady territorial advances across eastern Ukraine. According to battlefield monitoring group DeepState, Russian troops have captured just 133 square kilometers in March, the lowest monthly total since June 2024.
**Ukrainian Defense Strategies**
During his visit to the Operational-Tactical Group Donetsk, Syrskyi met with commanders at front-line command posts and reviewed operational plans. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces are carrying out counteroffensive actions and achieving certain successes on the battlefield.
“We continue our defensive operation, carry out counteroffensive actions, and are achieving certain successes,” Syrskyi said in a statement.
**Russian Objectives Unfulfilled**
Despite continued Russian efforts to push Ukrainian troops out of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and reach the administrative borders of these regions, Syrskyi stated that those objectives remain unfulfilled. As of late 2024, Russian forces controlled around 60% of Donetsk Oblast and approximately 98.5% of Luhansk Oblast.
**Implications for Russia**
The recent Ukrainian gains in Donetsk Oblast come as Moscow seeks full control over the four Ukrainian regions that it illegally claimed to annex in 2022 – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The United States is currently negotiating with Russia on ending the war, which started in March 2025.
**Commentary**
The recent developments in Donetsk Oblast highlight the resilience of Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression. As Ukraine continues to push back against Russian advances, it’s essential to acknowledge the growing dissatisfaction within the international community with Russia’s actions.
“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a stark reminder of the need for continued support and solidarity from the global community,” said Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in a statement.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant human casualties and infrastructure damage. As the situation unfolds, it’s crucial to maintain diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions to pressure Russia into withdrawing its forces from Ukraine.
**Related Developments**
* European Union officials have warned that Serbia could be blocked from joining the EU if its president travels to Moscow for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s May 9 Victory Parade.
* The United Kingdom would support a potential German decision to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, according to a report by the Telegraph.
* Russia launched 75 drones, including Shahed-type drones, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and three S-300/400 anti-aircraft guided missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
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