07/01/2023 09:42 (act. 07/01/2023 09:50)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ©APA/dpa
According to British estimates, the Ukrainian military created a beachhead on the east bank of the Dnipro in southern Ukraine. For about a week, the Ukrainians have been bringing troops close to the destroyed Antonivka Bridge, near Kherson, to the east bank, the British Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video on Friday that the Ukrainian counter-offensive is progressing well.
“Fighting for the beachhead will almost certainly be complicated by flooding, destruction and mud debris following the destruction of Kachowka Dam on 6 June 2023,” the London statement said. Among the Russian troops are units of the 7th Guards Air Assault Division, which belongs to Army Group Dnipro.
“In recent weeks, Russia has most likely moved parts of Army Group Dnipro defending the banks of the Dnipro to reinforce the front in Zaporizhia,” said the British Ministry of Defense’s daily briefing on the course of the war. Moscow accuses London of disinformation.
“Ukraine and Ukrainians are much stronger than anyone expected of us, sometimes stronger than we thought we would be,” Zelensky said in his video message every night on Friday. The country showed Ukraine’s strength in the fight against Russian invaders around the world.
In the speech, Zelenskyy recalled the recapture of Snake Island in the Black Sea a year ago. “It was one of our most important victories.” This not only regained control of the island, but also a significant part of the Black Sea. “Russian terrorists needed Snake Island to destroy the entire south of the country, our beautiful Odessa and other cities.” They were unsuccessful.
Once again Zelenskyy paid tribute to the various units of the Ukrainian armed forces and named a large number of fighters who gave their lives for Ukraine’s victory. Zelenskyi again said Ukraine was making progress in its counter-offensive. “We’ve made progress in all directions with our active actions.”
Strengthening artillery in the south and east “obviously has priority,” Zelensky said. He also thanked Denmark for a new defense package, including artillery, anti-aircraft missiles and mine clearance equipment. Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion with Western help for over 16 months.