Russian MoD rebukes reports about Ukrainian counteroffensive

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 May 00:34

The ministry noted that Russian forces are still engaged in war operations in the western part of Bakhmut, Marinka and Avdiivka.

Russia's Defense Ministry. (Archive)

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that the statements made by military correspondents alleging that Ukrainian forces broke through Russian defense lines in the special military operation zone are incorrect.

"The statements shared by individual telegram channels about ‘defense breakthroughs’ that took place in various parts of the contact line do not correspond to reality. As of 22.00 May 11, 2023 [19:00], no active operations are underway in the Kupyansk direction," the ministry said, adding that two Ukrainian attacks were staved off in the Lyman direction.

The ministry further noted that Russian forces are still engaged in war operations in the western part of Bakhmut, Marinka, and Avdiivka.

In sum, the ministry concludes that the situation in the special military zone is "under control."

Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was reported saying during an interview published by the BBC Thursday that Ukraine is not ready yet to launch a counter-offensive and requires more time to do so.

This follows recent news of London vowing to supply Kiev with Storm Shadow missiles, making the UK the first country to supply longer-range missiles.

Western observers say this will be a crucial step that will determine the re-capture of annexed territories in the East.

"Mentally we're ready...," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the BBC. "In terms of equipment, not everything has arrived yet.

"With (what we have) we can go forward and be successful. But we'd lose a lot of people. I think that's unacceptable. So we need to wait. We still need a bit more time," he was quoted as saying.

Read more: Ukraine concealing spring offensive plans from US after Pentagon leak

On another note, Wagner Group private military company (PMC) chief Yevgeny Prigozhin blamed Zelensky for being "dishonest" in the interview, noting that Ukraine's counter-offensive "is in full swing."