Ukraine announces liberation of its territories
The Ukrainian defense forces have advanced 300-500 meters, demonstrating localized gains in some sections of the front line. In particular, according to official data, the military successfully counterattacked south of Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk region and liberated a number of settlements.
This is confirmed by analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War ISW
“Geolocated footage and Russian sources indicated that Ukrainian forces liberated multiple settlements during continued ground attacks south, southwest, and southeast of Velyka Novosilka in western Donetsk Oblast. Russian sources reported that Ukrainian forces continued to attack southwest of Orikhiv in Zaporizhia Oblast, and Ukrainian forces made gains in this area,” the analysts said.
In total, according to official figures, between June 10 and 11, Ukraine managed to retake a number of settlements on the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions - Makarivka, Neskuchne, Blahodatne, and Novodarivka.
On the morning of June 12, the 35th Separate Marine Brigade announced the liberation of another settlement, Storozhove, since it had been occupied almost from the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
"As a result of the settlement's cleanup, about fifty racists were killed and four were taken prisoner. Today, the national flag is flying again over Storozhove, and so it will be with every settlement until we liberate all Ukrainian land," the brigade said in a statement.
Nevertheless, according to ISW analysts, although the Russian side recognizes the loss of some settlements, it is trying to downplay Ukrainian successes in several areas of the frontline.
"Russian sources are likely referring to Ukrainian territorial advances through Russian defenses as capturing ”grey zones” in order to downplay Ukrainian gains and omit reporting on Ukrainian forces breaking through defensive lines," ISW said.
Commenting on the recent success of the Ukrainian army, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said that "Ukraine is conducting certain defensive and counteroffensive actions," but refused to provide more detailed information.
The Ukrainian General Staff has now officially confirmed the start of an offensive to liberate the Russian-occupied territories. However, Zelenskyi has previously said that his country is ready for a counteroffensive.