Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that his country’s military is conducting a major operation to liberate parts of eastern Ukraine that are still under the control of pro-Russian separatists.
Zelensky said on Saturday that the offensive was aimed at restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that it had the support of the United States and other Western allies.
The operation comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and has been accused of providing weapons and troops to the rebels in the Donbas region.
According to Ukrainian officials, the offensive has already resulted in the recapture of several strategic towns and villages, as well as the destruction of enemy positions and equipment.
However, the rebels have denied losing any ground and have claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties on the Ukrainian forces.
Russia has condemned the offensive as a violation of the 2015 Minsk peace agreements, which called for a ceasefire and a political settlement of the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any escalation could have serious consequences for regional stability and security.
