Zelenskyy: we are conducting counteroffensive, Ukraine is justly defending its positions, territory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday announced the country’s forces were carrying out a counteroffensive near Dobropillia and Pokrovske in Donetsk Oblast, with initial gains of 160 square kilometers and Russian losses exceeding 1,000 personnel.

Zelenskyy visited the frontlines in Donetsk, where he presented state awards to Ukrainian service members and discussed the early results of the counteroffensive.

“Currently, we are conducting a successful counteroffensive operation in the Donetsk direction, near Pokrovske and close to Dobropillia. There were intense battles, but we managed to inflict significant losses on the Russians,” Zelenskyy said.

The President stated Ukrainian forces effectively disrupted a planned large-scale Russian offensive, which Moscow had hoped to execute following its failed attack in the Sumy region.

“Since the start of the operation, our soldiers have already liberated 160 square kilometers, and a further 170 sq km have been cleared of occupiers. Seven settlements in the area have already been retaken,” Zelenskyy said.

In total, the counteroffensive has resulted in over 2,500 Russian personnel being neutralised, including more than 1,300 killed and around 100 taken prisoner. Zelenskyy added all Russian groups that entered the Dobropillia and Pokrovske areas had been destroyed.

“Ukraine is justly defending its positions and its land. This is a heroic defence. I am proud of our soldiers and our people. In this war, Ukraine is shielding itself from all Russian brutality. We are thwarting every Russian plan — including those aimed at destroying our state. Our defense is always active,” Zelenskyy said.