All articles tagged with #front lines
Russia is launching a multi-front summer offensive in Ukraine, targeting eastern regions and attempting to create a buffer zone, but faces strong Ukrainian resistance and slow progress, with heavy Russian casualties and ongoing drone and missile attacks impacting Ukrainian supply lines and morale.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for the acceleration of fortifying defensive lines across the front line, as Russian forces attempt to encircle Avdiivka in the east and target the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's air force claims to have shot down 18 Russian drones and one cruise missile. With winter setting in, Zelensky emphasizes the importance of preparing for the new phase of the war. The Ukrainian leader also highlights the need to strengthen defenses in the Donetsk region, the north-east, and the region around Kyiv. Despite continued fighting, fears of a "frozen" conflict persist.
Audio intercepts obtained by The Associated Press reveal the desperate voices of Russian soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine, discussing the grim reality of the war and their desire to leave. The soldiers speak of the high number of casualties, the lack of proper equipment, and the harsh conditions they face. Many soldiers express disillusionment with the war and frustration with their treatment by the Russian military. The calls offer a rare glimpse into the conflict from the perspective of Russian soldiers, shedding light on the toll the war has taken on them.
Ukraine has deployed advanced drones, including the Ukrainian-made "Shark," across the front lines in its conflict with Russia. The drones, equipped with advanced technology and cameras capable of reading lettering on clothes from over a mile above ground, play a crucial role in reconnaissance and targeting. However, Russia also possesses a vast drone fleet and sophisticated electronic jamming systems that can disrupt the signal of drones and cause guided munitions to veer off course. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian drones have successfully destroyed targets, including air defense and radar systems. Drones are considered valuable assets in the Ukraine-Russia war, where artillery dominates the battlefield, and their use has proven cost-effective in neutralizing high-tech weapon systems.
A Ukrainian soldier, Vitalij Boiko, has spoken to Insider about his meetings with US lawmakers, highlighting that many Americans are unaware of how aid money is spent. Boiko emphasized that financial assistance to Ukraine does not go directly to the country but remains in the United States, with only old equipment being sent to Ukraine. He stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine's defense and expressed the soldiers' determination to fight for their families, freedom, and democracy, urging Americans to provide equipment to help protect them.
A Ukrainian sniper, identified as Sasha, revealed in an interview that he underwent 16 operations to recover from severe injuries sustained in battle, including damage to his chest, legs, and face. Despite visible remnants of his injuries, Sasha returned to the front lines. The sniper's unit, part of Ukraine's security services (SBU), aims to demoralize Russian troops through "sniper terror." While the unit claims to have inflicted substantial damage, no kill count was reported. Snipers prioritize activities like reconnaissance and relaying battlefield information to artillery units. The SBU snipers were seen using American-made Barrett sniper rifles, which have become popular among Ukrainian marksmen.
The Ukrainian military has announced that it has pushed Russian forces out of pockets of territory along the front lines in the east and south of the country, building on a counteroffensive launched two months ago. However, Russia claims its forces have also made progress in the eastern Kharkiv region. Ukrainian forces have gained land around the city of Bakhmut and made gains in two villages on the southern front. The Ukrainian air force has downed several waves of Russian missiles and drones targeting Odesa, resulting in damage to buildings and injuries. Russia has been attacking ports in the Odesa region, endangering Ukrainian grain exports.
Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive to retake territory, attacking along the front lines and striking deep into Russian territory. The article maps out some of the early signs of Kyiv’s strategy and the challenges it faces in the months ahead.
CNN's Nick Paton Walsh reports from the front lines of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, as a Ukrainian counteroffensive looms. Unusual jet trails in the sky suggest a rare turning point in the conflict.