Ukraine struggles to dislodge Russia from occupied areas at the start of its counter-offensive. In this context, Moscow and kyiv suffer a high number of military losses, estimated Sunday, June 18 the British Ministry of Defense, in its daily monitoring of the conflict. “Both sides are suffering heavy casualties, with Russian casualties probably the highest since the peak of the Battle of Bakhmut in March,” the ministry said.
According to British intelligence, the heaviest fighting took place in the southeastern Zaporizhia region around Bakhmout and further west in Donetsk province in eastern Ukraine. . Still according to the same source, Ukraine is on the offensive in these regions and has “made small advances”, while Russian forces are carrying out “relatively effective defensive operations”.
Dam destroyed in Ukraine: Russia blocks aid to disaster victims, accuses the UN
Denise Brown, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, accused Russia on Sunday of obstructing the delivery of aid to victims of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in areas it controls in southern Ukraine.
The Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, located in an area under Russian control in the Kherson region, was destroyed on June 6. Hundreds of square kilometers downstream were flooded, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and raising fears of both a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe. “The government of the Russian Federation has so far refused our request for access to these areas temporarily under its military control,” Denise Brown said in a statement.
“The United Nations will continue to do everything in its power to reach everyone, including those who are suffering the consequences of the recent destruction of the dam and who urgently need help to survive, wherever they are. be”, added the coordinator. “We urge the Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law,” she continued.
On Saturday, authorities in Russian-controlled areas announced the death toll at 29. The balance sheet in the area controlled by Ukraine has also increased to 16 dead and 31 missing, according to kyiv. The two countries accuse each other of blowing up the dam.
For Father’s Day, Zelensky thanks “brave” soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent his thanks on Sunday, Father’s Day, to all the “strong and courageous” soldiers who are fighting the Russian invasion, hoping that they will all be able to return from the front one day.
“Thank you to every Ukrainian father, to every Ukrainian family for your strong and courageous soldiers who defended the independence of Ukraine and fight for the life of Ukraine!” Volodymyr Zelensky said on social networks.
He posted a video made by United24, a fundraising platform he set up, showing Ukrainian soldiers returning home and hugging children. “I hope your fathers will have a long and healthy life. And that every father who is on the front line can come home,” added the Ukrainian president.