Ukraine launches second counterattack in Izium

Ukrainian soldiers near the front line in the Kharkiv region, August 24, 2022. REUTERS - VYACHESLAV MADIYEVSKYY

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1 min

Events are rushing in Ukraine on the northeastern front where Russian defense lines are collapsing in the Izium region, located between Kharkiv and Donbass.

48 hours ago, the Ukrainian armed forces launched a lightning counter-offensive in this strategic sector: several dozen localities have been liberated, and now the Russian army finds itself in a very delicate position.

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With our correspondent in Kiev, 

While

, in the south of the country, Kiev has just taken the Russian army on the wrong foot.

Ukraine took advantage of the fact that the Russians had plucked their ranks in the northeast of Ukraine, to launch a lightning counter-attack in the region of Izium.

In 48 hours, the Ukrainian army broke through the Russian lines for more than 50 kilometers, perhaps 70. The offensive first focused on the town of Balakliia, 27,000 inhabitants, then the infantry groups , supported by armored columns and artillery, rapidly advanced west towards Kupiansk, a major road and rail junction.

The battle continues around Kupyansk

Volokhiv Yar, Borshchovka... The images of liberated towns stream on the networks where we see videos of civilians coming out of buildings, greeting and kissing the Ukrainian soldiers. 

But the battle continues around Kupyansk and the Ukrainians are taking control of the Oskil River.

If they succeed, they will then lock up nearly 10,000 Russian soldiers in a pocket around Izium.

Ukraine would then inflict a major military defeat on the Russian army.

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• Ukraine

• Russia

• Defense