As the war in Ukraine surpasses the 200-day mark, Ukraine has made long-awaited counteroffensives forcing Russian troops to flee from Ukraine’s Kharkiv area.
Ukraine’s retaliation began in late August, focusing on the Southern region of Kherson. When Moscow redirected troops there, Ukraine made effective counteroffensive actions near Kharkiv in the northeast.
Kharkiv, also known as “Kharkov,” is the second-largest city and municipality in Ukraine. According to the mayor of Kharkiv, the city has lost electricity and water supplies for the second time in the past 24 hours as Russian attacks hit infrastructure sites. Pedestrians relied on flashlights to guide their way as cars drove through unlit streets on Sunday night.
Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, announced Sunday that Ukraine’s military would liberate the entirety of the country from Russia as counter offenses continue to reclaim territory.
Kyiv’s recent actions to reclaim Russian-occupied territory have forced Moscow to withdraw troops in the prevention of surrendering.
In an interview with “Face the Nation,” Markarova said, “We always have to keep in mind that Russia still can do a lot of damage. But we don’t have any other choice; we will advance.” He added, “As we said before, we will not surrender. And we will liberate all Ukraine because this is what we have to do not only to restore our territorial integrity but to save all of our people who are under occupation.”
The Ukrainian advances came after an increase in supplies from the United States and other allied countries. Ukraine’s military says its forces have retaken over 1,158 square miles during their counterattack in the eastern region on Ukraine.
