Summary:
- Ukrainian forces report 'some success' in counteroffensive against Russian troops.
- Video footage shows Third Assault Brigade soldiers gaining ground near Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut.
- President Zelensky visits troops as Ukraine pushes back Moscow's forces in southeastern region.
- Widespread minefields and strong fortifications hamper Ukrainian progress.
- United States pledges $200 million in new security assistance to Ukraine.
- U.S. officials to distribute $6.2 billion in funds following Pentagon accounting error.
- International support crucial as Ukraine continues efforts to retake occupied territories.
Video footage released by Ukraine's Third Assault Brigade shows soldiers firing their rifles into dugouts and throwing grenades, gaining ground near the Russian-occupied eastern city of Bakhmut. On Monday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops in the eastern Ukrainian front-line region of Donetsk.
Coming as the country reported fierce fighting and some success in pushing back Moscow's troops in one part of the southeast, where Ukrainian forces are trying to retake Russian-occupied territory. Progress has been hampered by widespread Russian-laid minefields and strong fortifications. Ukrainian forces have made incremental gains since kicking off their long-awaited operation in June, but officials in Kyiv have acknowledged that progress has been slower than they would have liked. Meanwhile, the United States on Monday announced that it would send Ukraine new security assistance valued at $200 million. The aid includes air defense munitions, artillery rounds, anti-armor capabilities, and additional mine clearing equipment. Two U.S. officials told Reuters last week that they would begin to dole out $6.2 billion of funds, discovered after a Pentagon accounting error that overvalued billions of dollars of Ukraine aid. Washington is currently working on a supplemental budget request to continue to aid Kyiv, U.S. officials said.
The situation in eastern Ukraine remains tense as Ukrainian forces strive to regain control of Russian-occupied territories. International support, including the recent security assistance from the United States, plays a crucial role in the ongoing conflict.