Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has asserted that his troops have successfully taken control of the strategically significant town of Mariinka in eastern Ukraine. However, this claim has been promptly refuted by Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin that assault units have successfully seized control of a heavily fortified region located near Donetsk. This area is of significant importance as it serves as the regional capital under Russian control.
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Ukraine Denies Loss of Maryinka Town
In a statement, Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun confirmed that the fighting for Mariinka was ongoing.
Mariinka, a town regarded as a crucial entry point to Donetsk, has suffered extensive destruction, leaving it in a state of near-total devastation.
The claims made by both Russia and Ukraine have yet to be independently verified, according to reports.
Since 2014, Mariinka has served as a defensive barrier for Ukraine in response to the seizure of significant portions of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions by Russia-backed fighters.
In February 2022, President Putin initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine.In a statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his satisfaction with the reported capture, describing it as a "success." According to Putin, this development has resulted in Ukrainian troops being pushed even further away from Donetsk, a city that has been subjected to regular shelling from the town of Mariinka.
The Kremlin leader highlighted that Russian forces have gained the "opportunity to expand their operations into a broader area" within the Donetsk region. In a recent development, the Ukrainian military has refuted the claim made by Russia on Monday.
In an interview with Ukrainian TV, Mr. Shtupun stated that it would be inaccurate to claim that Mariinka has been completely seized. According to the military spokesman, the soldiers are presently located within the administrative borders of Mariinka. Ukrainian military bloggers said it has been reported that Ukrainian troops are currently maintaining their position in a limited area within western Mariinka.
Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his praise for the successful shooting down of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve.Zelensky went on to remark that this incident has set a positive tone for the upcoming year, stating, "this Christmas sets the right mood for the entire year ahead."
In a notable Christmas message, Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledged the country's official observance of the holiday on December 25, a departure from the previous tradition of celebrating on January 7. Additionally, Zelensky made mention of Ukraine's assertion that they had successfully eliminated three more Russian fighter planes on Friday, furthering their ongoing claim.
Zelensky expressed his belief that a robust air defense system would result in a decrease in the presence of Russian forces in Ukrainian airspace and territory. Zelensky commended Ukraine's negotiating skills, as well as its ability to strengthen its aerial protection and defend the nation against Russian terrorists.
Amid mounting worries over battlefield setbacks and the fate of Western aid for Ukraine's war effort, he remains optimistic, offering an upbeat assessment. In a disappointing turn of events, the much-anticipated summer counteroffensive has failed to make significant progress, leaving the front line virtually unchanged.
Compounding the situation, political disagreements among allied nations have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the fate of billions of dollars in aid, as per ABC News.
