Ukraine counterattacked strongly, Russia also increased its momentum

Mr. Zelensky said in a video: “We achieved some success in the battles in the city of Severodonetsk. But it is too early to say. It is the most difficult thing right now. As well as in cities and communities. nearby, Lysychansk, Bakhmut and other cities are witnessing a strong attack by Russian forces”.

According to Zelensky, Russian forces already control 20% of Ukraine’s territory as the Russian military campaign enters its 100th day.

Ukrainian forces from Bakhmut to Kostyantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on May 29. Photo: Reuters

In his speech, Mr. Zelensky also mentioned new missiles and weapons that the US pledged to send to Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky said: “The US has confirmed that modern HIMARS missile systems are being sent to our country. These weapons will really help save our people’s lives and defend Ukraine’s territory. I grateful to President Joe Biden, all of our American friends, and the American people for their support.”

Regarding Ukraine’s attempt to join the European Union, Mr. Zelensky said: “It is very important that now – in a few weeks – we are waiting for the European Union’s answer on the question of candidacy. of Ukraine. We look forward to it.”

According to CNN, Ukrainian forces say they have made significant progress in counter-attacks against Russian positions in the southern Kherson region.

“In the Kherson area, the armed forces liberated 8 km of occupied territory,” the AZOV Dnipro Territorial Defense Unit said on June 2.

Russian forces are said to control 80% of the territory of Severodonetsk. Photo: tsn.ua

Ukrainian forces launched their assault on Kherson from several vantage points in the north late last week. Little has been known about the operation since then, but Ukrainian forces appear to have regained control of several villages north of Kherson and a bridgehead over the Inhulets River. On June 1, Gennady Laguta, head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, said 20 settlements had been liberated.

Meanwhile, according to Tass news agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the arrangement of potential referendums for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) ), the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions annexed to Russia requires the will and will of the people living there as well as certain conditions.

Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the State Duma (lower house of Russia). Photo: Tass

Peskov’s statement came after remarks by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the State Duma (Russian lower house) Leonid Slutsky that the referendums on the territories of the DPR, LPR, Kherson region and Zaporozhye have will be held this summer.

“It cannot be ruled out that this event will take place in early July,” said Leonid Slutsky.