Ukraine dismisses reports of counteroffensive in Russian-held regions

Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. AUkrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports,said,“We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.

Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun.NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing.

This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed.

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The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded."

The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory.

The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly.

ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway.

In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding.

It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city.

Ukraine's counteroffensive

Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive".

The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive.

Watch:Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern

Russia repelled an offensive

Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences."

"The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive".

Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media."

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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