Ukraine launches a second counter-attack in Izioum – RFI

Published on: 09/09/2022 – 13:10 Events are rushing in Ukraine on the north-eastern front where Russian defense lines are collapsing in the Izium region, located between Kharkiv and Donbass . 48 hours ago, the Ukrainian armed forces launched a lightning counter-offensive in this strategic sector: several dozen localities have been liberated, and now the Russian army finds itself in a very delicate position. With our correspondent in kyiv, Stéphane Siohan While all eyes were on Kherson, in the south of the country, kyiv has just taken the Russian army on the wrong foot. Ukraine took advantage of the fact that the Russians had thinned their ranks in the northeast of Ukraine, to launch a lightning counter-attack in the region of Izium. In 48 hours, the Ukrainian army broke through the Russian lines on more than 50 kilometers, perhaps 70. The offensive first focused on the town of Balakliia, 27,000 inhabitants, then the infantry groups, supported by armored columns and artillery, quickly progressed towards the west, in the direction of Kupyansk, a major road and rail junction. buildings, salute and embrace the Ukrainian soldiers. But the battle continues around Kupyansk and the Ukrainians are taking control of the Oskil River. If they succeed, they will then lock up nearly 10,000 Russian soldiers in a pocket around Izium. Ukraine would then inflict a major military defeat on the Russian army. , Friday, September 9, Russian news agencies, publishing images transmitted by the Ministry of Defense. In these images, also broadcast by the official media of the Russian army, Zvezda, we can see several military trucks towing heavy guns and armored vehicles, on a dirt road, then an asphalt road. Moscow’s occupation administration in the region, Vitali Gantchev, told the Russian television channel Rossiia 24 that “fierce fighting” was underway around the town of Balaklia. ►Also listen: Counter-offensive in the South and the East: “The Ukrainian army is playing its game”