Ukraine Makes Major Gains in Counteroffensive Against Russia in Kharkiv

Ukrainian troops pose in Kupyansk, Kharkiv. 

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@aliciakearns)

Military officials of Ukraine claimed on Saturday, 10 September, that it had made major gains in a counteroffensive against Russia in the country’s northeast in Kharkiv.

The reports come a few days after Ukraine reportedly made advances in the south of Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city.

Russia's defence ministry admitted that it's pulling back troops from key areas in the Kharkiv region.

Russia Withdraws From Key Towns in Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have withdrawn from key towns in eastern Ukraine due to a rapid Ukrainian counter-attack, reports the BBC.

Ukrainian officials said troops entered the crucial rail hub of Kupiansk, a vital eastern supply hub for Russian forces, on Saturday, 10 September.

Shortly after, Ukraine seized Izyum, the major base for Moscow’s forces in the Kharkiv region, reported The Guardian.

Russia's defence ministry said its troops have retreated from nearby Izyum to allow them "to regroup." The withdrawal from Izyum is crucial because it was a major military hub for Russia.

Russia also confirmed their troops withdrawing from the town of Balakliya.

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that they had now won back 2,000 sq km from Russia since beginning a renewed counter-offensive in September. His claim would suggest that half of that area has been recaptured in the last 48 hours alone, reported the BBC.

On the other hand, a Russian statement said, "A three-day operation was carried out on the drawdown and organised transfer of the Izyum-Balakliya group of troops to the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic. In order to prevent damage to the Russian troops, a powerful fire defeat was inflicted on the enemy."