Russian Ministry of Defense: "Ukraine Launches Large-Scale Offensive in 5 Eastern Front Zones... Repelled Successfully" (Update)

"Ukrainian Forces Unable to Break Through Defense Line"
Zelensky: "Counterattack Ready and Believe in Success"

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale offensive on the eastern front but failed to break through the Russian defensive line and were repelled. The battle occurred immediately after President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at the start of a counteroffensive operation, drawing attention to whether there will be significant changes in the future course of the war.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to TASS news agency on the 4th (local time), Igor Konashenkov, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense, stated at a briefing that "this morning, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive across five sectors of the front in the Yuzhno-Donetsk direction," adding, "the enemy's goal was to break through the most vulnerable part of the front and penetrate our defensive line, but they failed to accomplish their mission and were repelled."

Spokesperson Konashenkov explained, "The enemy launched a major offensive with the strength of six mechanized battalions and two tank battalions, but due to our troops' proper defense, more than 250 soldiers were killed, and they lost 16 tanks, 3 combat vehicles, and 21 armored vehicles," adding, "Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, and other Russian military leadership were also present at the forward command post."

This Ukrainian offensive has attracted worldwide attention as it occurred immediately after President Zelensky hinted at a major counteroffensive. Earlier, President Zelensky stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), "We are ready to start a counteroffensive operation against Russia," and "I strongly believe that we will succeed."