**Ukraine’s President Rejects Russian Claims of Military Gains**
In a recent interview with German publication Bild, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed claims made by Russia that they have achieved significant battlefield gains. According to Zelensky, these claims are part of a disinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public.
Zelensky firmly rejected the idea that Russian forces had made any notable advances in Ukraine, stating that “The Russians are not so successful, to say the least.” This assertion comes as Russia has been conducting a surge in military operations across Ukraine’s eastern and northern regions. Specifically, they have claimed territorial gains in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy oblasts.
**Russia’s Claims Debunked**
Ukrainian officials have vehemently denied these claims, with Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, stating that “all Russian information” about an offensive in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast “does not correspond to reality.” The Ukrainian Southern Operational Command also reported that the situation is “tense,” but no breakthroughs had occurred.
Despite this, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has faced frequent missile and drone attacks. In April, mandatory evacuations were initiated from four front-line villages as a precautionary measure. This indicates the escalating tensions in the region.
**Russian Advances in Sumy Oblast**
Separately, an open-source monitoring group DeepState reported some advances near the Russian border in Sumy Oblast. On June 8, they confirmed that Russian troops had occupied the village of Loknia in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast. This development raises concerns about the volatility of the region.
As reported by Ukrainska Pravda, Russian forces began advancing into northern Sumy Oblast in late February or early March. Since then, they have reportedly taken control of approximately 200 square kilometers (80 square miles) and roughly a dozen small villages. These advances have triggered civilian evacuations, with regional authorities ordering the evacuation of 213 settlements as of May 31.
**Zelensky’s Comments Put into Context**
President Zelensky’s comments must be seen in the context of Russia’s ongoing military operations across Ukraine. While the specifics of these claims are disputed, one thing is clear: the situation remains tense and volatile. As independent journalism continues to uncover the truth behind Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine, it is essential that we have a community of supporters standing behind us.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
