Zelensky explains the latest developments in the Ukrainian counterattack and confirm his forces suffering from Russian mines
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talked at the Aspen Security Forum, explaining the situation of the Ukrainian counter-offensive.
“The counter-offensive is on its way to gaining momentum”.
Zelensky said that his forces are struggling as a result of clearing Russian mines.
“We’re approaching a moment when relevant actions can gain momentum,” Zelensky said in a video address on Friday.
The ground operations continue in at least three areas, while Ukrainian forces claim making little progress.
The Ukrainian General Staff said that Russia again attacked southeastern Ukraine with Iranian “Shahid” drones early on Saturday, and all five drones were shot down.
The Ukrainian president spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, late Friday as he looked for ways to resume grain shipments after Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea grain agreement.
“The both side have coordinated efforts to resume the work” of the initiative, Zelensky’s office said.
On the other hand, the President of the Russian Republic of Crimea, Sergei Aksenov, announced that Kiev forces tried to target infrastructure sites in Crimea with drones.
“The enemy tried to attack infrastructure facilities in the Krasnogvardeisky district of the Republic of Crimea using drones,” Aksionov said on Telegram.
He explained, “Employees of the Ministry of Emergencies are on site to remove possible consequences, and all specialized services are operating”.
The official channel of the Republic of Crimea on Telegram reported that the movement of vehicles on the Crimean Bridge had stopped temporarily.
From its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense had previously announced that it had thwarted an attack carried out by Kiev forces using 28 drones on the Crimea, indicating that all Ukrainian drones failed to reach their targets in Crimea, and the attack did not result in any damage or injuries.
Earlier, according to media reports, the movement of cars across the bridge has returned to normal after a temporary suspension, in order to preserve the safety of civilians.
On July 17, the Crimean Bridge was attacked by drone boats, killing two people and injuring a child, in addition to damaging a section of the bridge.
At the time, Russian President Vladimir Putin described what happened to the Crimean Bridge as a “criminal act,” stressing that the Russian Ministry of Defense is preparing several options for responding to the Crimean Bridge attack.
