Ukraine counterattacks in Kherson while Russia focuses on Donbas

Ukraine’s expansion of the war in Kherson comes as Ukrainian forces work to prevent Russian forces from taking control of parts of eastern Ukraine.

The moves of Ukrainian forces show that each side is trying to exploit the other’s new strategic vulnerabilities. Tensions are likely to increase when Ukraine receives more advanced long-range artillery and, possibly, US missiles soon.

A Ukrainian soldier participates in a counterattack against Russian forces in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine on May 29. Photo: New York Times

Announcing Ukraine’s counterattack on Twitter, the army said on May 29: “Come on, Kherson, we are coming!”. Kherson, a port city in Ukraine’s agricultural heartland, was the first major city to fall more than three months ago.

After taking control of Kherson, Russia used the city as a base for military operations throughout southern Ukraine.

But in recent weeks, Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the south to fortify defensive positions.

Also on May 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that “liberating” Ukraine’s Donbas region is an unconditional priority for Russia while other Ukrainian territories should decide their own future. .

Lavrov made the statement in an interview with French TV channel TF1 as Russia was conducting an offensive to secure control of key towns in Donbas, the traditional industrial center of Ukraine. , including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

According to a document released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov said: “The liberation of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which Russia recognizes as independent states, is an unconditional priority.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Photo: Reuters

Lavrov stressed that the Russian operation was “inevitable” after Western countries ignored Moscow’s warnings about Ukraine’s disregard and military attacks on Russian-speaking citizens. in this country. However, Ukraine has denied the allegation.

In recent weeks, Russia has focused on the Donbas after withdrawing from Kiev and other parts of Ukraine. Mr. Lavrov said: “It is true that many people were killed. However, this operation took so long mainly because the Russian soldiers had to follow strict orders to avoid attacks and airstrikes. civil infrastructure”.