Ukraine recaptures village as Russian forces hold other lines, fire on fleeing civilians elsewhere

In the latest developments of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian military successfully recaptured a southeastern village while Russian forces claimed to repel multiple attacks in the area. However, the situation remains chaotic as Russian troops opened fire on a boat evacuating people from Russian-occupied areas to Ukrainian-held territory along a flooded front line further south, resulting in six injuries.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s top adviser, Andriy Yermak, confirmed the injuries and mentioned that the wounded were immediately transported to a hospital in the southern city of Kherson. Witnesses on-site witnessed three ambulances delivering injured evacuees, one of whom was covered in blood and rushed into the emergency room on a stretcher.

Numerous reports have emerged of Russian authorities in occupied areas demanding Russian passports from those attempting to evacuate. As a result, many small boats have been shuttling desperate civilians across the flooded Dnieper River, which has been swollen due to a dam breach upstream. These rescue efforts aim to save people stranded on rooftops, in attics, and other dry areas amidst the deluge.

In the northeastern region, Ukrainian forces have successfully driven out Russian fighters from the village of Blahodatne, located halfway up the extensive front line that spans over 1,000 kilometers. The Ukrainian military’s 68th Separate Hunting Brigade shared a video on Facebook, showcasing soldiers raising the Ukrainian flag on a damaged building within the village.

Spokesperson Myroslav Semeniuk stated that an assault team apprehended six Russian troops after entering several buildings where approximately 60 soldiers had taken refuge. Semeniuk emphasized that despite ongoing shelling, Ukrainian forces remain determined. Their next target for reclamation is Urozhayne, followed by further southward advancement.

President Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian counteroffensive actions were underway, but cautioned that the process of expelling Russian troops would take time. While the recapture of Blahodatne signifies a small Ukrainian advance, Western and Ukrainian leaders have stressed the need for patience. Russia has emphasized its ability to maintain control in other areas.

The Russian Defense Ministry continues to claim that it is repelling Ukrainian attacks in the region, specifically citing unsuccessful offensive operations on the southern Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia axes of the front line over the past 24 hours.

Vladimir Rogov, an official installed by Russia in the Zaporizhzhia region, argued that Blahodatne and two other villages in the area remain in a “gray area” regarding control. However, Rogov stated in a Telegram post that Russian fighters had been forced to vacate the village of Neskuchne in the Donetsk region. A video released by fighters claiming to be members of a Ukrainian volunteer force confirmed the Ukrainian presence in the village.

Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that Ukraine’s counteroffensive had begun, asserting significant losses on the Ukrainian side.

In other news, Ukraine’s hydropower generator, Ukrhydroenergo, reported a continual decline in water levels on the reservoir above the ruptured Kakhovka dam. As of Sunday morning, the water level stood at 9.35 meters, indicating a drop of over seven meters since the dam break on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Kherson regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin stated that water levels on the Ukrainian-held west bank were receding, albeit with over 32 settlements still flooded. Conditions on the Russian-occupied eastern bank, situated at a lower elevation, were more severe, and water levels were slower to subside.

Additionally, the Russian military accused Ukrainian forces of an unsuccessful attack on one of its ships in the Black Sea. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that six unmanned speedboats targeted its Priazovye reconnaissance vessel, responsible for monitoring the security of the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines in the southeastern part of the Black Sea. The Russian military reported destroying all speedboats, with no damage to their ship. Ukrainian officials have yet to respond to the allegations.

Ukraine and Russia have reportedly exchanged numerous prisoners of war, with Russia announcing the release of 94 soldiers and Ukraine confirming the release of 95 Ukrainian prisoners.

Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has signed a decree ordering all Russian volunteer formations to sign contracts with the ministry by July 1. This move aims to grant legal status to these formations and provide them with the same benefits as contract soldiers. Observers believe this directive specifically targets the Wagner private military company. In response, Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin, known for his feud with the Russian military, stated that the group would not sign such contracts, citing issues with Shoigu’s ability to effectively manage military formations.

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