Ukraine’s defense ministry reported continued gains by Ukrainian forces this week, noting additional territory liberated by Kyiv’s troops near the eastern city of Bakhmut and in the southern extent of the frontline. The ministry described the liberation of two square kilometers of territory near Bakhmut, a figure cited by a deputy minister through one of the army’s official Telegram channels. This update comes amid Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive operations that have been steadily reshaping control lines since June, as authorities emphasise steady progress along multiple sectors of the front.
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar reiterated that Ukrainian forces gained ground on the western flank around Bakhmut, with a total of 51 kilometers reported as reclaimed on that wing since the counteroffensive began. The remarks highlight a shift in momentum, underscoring the ability of Ukrainian forces to press forward across contested terrain while consolidating positions along the front line.
In the southern sector, Maliar indicated that 5.2 square kilometers of land were recovered and noted ongoing operations toward the city of Melitopol in the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia. The statements reflect an emphasis on sustaining pressure on southern routes and the strategic objective of expanding Ukrainian-controlled areas in the Zaporizhzhia region.
During remarks about the south and east corridors, Maliar stated that Ukrainian forces had achieved multiple successes, including the liberation of 5.2 square kilometers in the southern region in the prior week. The cumulative gains reportedly bring the total territory recaptured in the southern front since the start of the counteroffensive to 260 square kilometers. These figures are part of ongoing assessments of frontline movements released by the ministry.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in a post on his social media account that the town of Klishchivka, located less than ten kilometers south of Bakhmut, had been liberated by Ukrainian troops. In his message, he thanked the fighters and shared a video of the daily address, naming the 80th and 95th Air Assault Brigades along with the Fury National Police brigade, a unit established to support the counterattack. Zelensky’s remarks also acknowledged the resilience of those who resisted Russian attacks across the country, from Kupiansk in the northeast to Kherson in the south.
Analysts note that the recapture of Klishchivka, together with the nearby Andrivka south of Bakhmut, is viewed as strengthening Ukraine’s overall position and creating a more secure platform for continued operations on the Donetsk front. Kyiv officials stress the importance of holding liberated towns and using them as anchors to push forward along critical approaches to the Donetsk province.
Moscow has generally denied that its forces have lost these towns, a stance that aligns with Moscow’s broader messaging about battlefield dynamics. The situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides reporting gains and setbacks as operations continue across multiple sectors of the front.