Ukraine war: Russian army launches ‘offensive operations’ in Zaporizhzhia, claims ‘advances’

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.

The Russian army on Saturday (January 21) said that its troops launched an offensive in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. Earlier in the conflict, Russia had captured the nuclear power plant in the region, where fighting was stalled for weeks, but it reportedly intensified recently.

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The Russian forces in its daily report said that they led "offensive operations" in the region and claimed to have "taken more advantageous lines and positions".

As reported by British news websites, the United Kingdom defence chiefs have said that Russian and Ukrainian forces are massing in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

When Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, concerns were raised over a potential nuclear disaster because shelling and artillery fire took place nearby.

UK's Ministry of Defence in its latest update noted that both sides have massed "significant forces" in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

It added that the forces have conducted artillery exchanges and skirmishes, but have avoided any large-scale offensive effort.

"Overall, the conflict is in a state of deadlock. However, there is a realistic possibility of local Russian advances around Bakhmut," the defence update added.

Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that it held a training exercise on repelling air attacks in the Moscow region.

As quoted by the news agency AFP, the ministry said in a statement, "In the Moscow region, a training session was held with the personnel of the anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Western Military District on repelling air attacks on important military-industrial and administrative facilities."

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Russia also said that an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system was involved in the training as combat was simulated.

The statement said: "As they marched, soldiers repelled an attack by a mock enemy sabotage group on a military convoy. Under the cover of a smoke screen, the air defence convoy was able to get out of the attack and continue fulfilling its tasks."

(With inputs from agencies)

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