Ukrainian forces fighting in Russian-held Kherson have been forced to withdraw from a key village, according to reports from the frontline.
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s military is battling to reclaim the southern region from Moscow’s troops, an area which has been largely occupied by Russian forces since the start of the invasion over two years ago.
On Wednesday, the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine released an official statement which confirmed defensive positions in the region had been “completely destroyed”.
Military officials confirmed the village of Krynky, a strategic Ukrainian stronghold along the bank of the Dnipro River, had been devastated by intense Russian attacks.
In a post on Facebook, the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine wrote: “Most of the main positions of Ukrainian troops in the village of Krynky, as a result of the intense, combined and prolonged enemy fire, were destroyed.
The post continued: “The village itself is also practically completely destroyed by enemy shelling.”
The statement asserted that Ukrainian soldiers continue to hold posts along the left bank of the River and the fight against the Russian occupation of Kherson will continue.
Zelensky’s troops have been fighting to maintain their foothold in Krynky since October last year when Ukrainian marines crossed the river and took Russian forces by surprise.
In a speech earlier today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged continued support for the Ukrainian defence.
Addressing the European Political Community, the PM declared: “The threat from Russia reaches right across Europe.”
He called for European leaders to “stand together” and echoed statements made by Winston Churchill as he called for a unified front against Putin’s brutal invasion.
Zelensky, also present at the summit, thanked the Prime Minister for his renewed support and called on all European leaders to continue backing Ukraine.
After his speech, the Ukrainian President addressed Starmer and added: “Thank you for every life saved.”
