Ukraine appears to have been dealt a blow on the eastern frontline as Russia claims to have captured a village.
The Russian Defence Ministry alleged on May 25 to have “taken control” of Arkhanhelske, a village north of the city of Donetsk.
This small village is near the town of Ocheretyne, which Russia claimed to have taken over a few weeks ago.
This alleged advance on the eastern front comes as Ukraine was forced to divert some of its units to the Kharkiv region, which since May 10 has been the target of a new, unexpected Russian offensive.
Yet, Ukraine appears to be able to hold the line in the east, amid reports it recaptured last week Russian footholds in the Chasiv Yar town.
This settlement is strategically important due to its proximity to Bakhmut and for being on higher ground.
Military experts believe that, should Chasiv Yar fall into Russian hands, the security of the remaining Ukrainian cities in the area would be jeopardised.
News from the eastern frontline comes as the Ukrainian General Staff claimed on Friday that its forces were able to hold Russian troops in the Kharkiv sector and started conducting counterattacks.
While the Russian push on the ground appears to have been disrupted, aerial attacks against the important region continue.
On Saturday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky branded Russian President Vladimir Putin a “madman” after the bombing of a DYI supermarket in the Kharkiv region.
The attack on the non-military target killed at least 11 people and injured several more.
In a video message to Ukrainians on Saturday night, he said: “This attack on Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness. There is simply no other way to call it.
“Only madmen like Putin are capable of killing and terrorising people in such a vile way. It is already known that there are wounded and dead. My condolences to family and friends. Anyone affected will be given the necessary assistance.”
