Russia invaded Ukraine and attacked Mariupol from the Sea of ​​Azov

A senior U.S. defense official says Ukrainian forces have been trying to retake territory from the Russians for the past few days. “Can and Will” To do so.

Here is the condition of the ground:

Counter-attacks near the capital: There seemed to be a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the north and west of Kiev Somewhat advancedAffects Russian attempts to encircle the capital and threaten the ability of Russian forces to redistribute forward units emerging north of the city.

Makariv: One such area is the strategic city of Makariv, 30 miles (48 km) west of Kiev. After several days of fighting, the Ukrainian forces Regained control The city, Ukraine’s armed forces said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. CNN could not confirm the claim. McCarthy suffered significant damage in Russian airstrikes Video Showing widespread destruction. If the Ukrainian forces To consolidate their control In Makari, Russian forces will find it more difficult to defend Western approaches to Kiev and then push further south.

North of Kiev: There are also signs of the presence of Russian forces Have suffered setbacks In areas north of Kiev that they had held almost since the beginning of the invasion. A Short video CNN showed Ukrainian troops stationed in the city of Mochun, about 20 miles (35 km) north of the capital. The Ukrainian drone video was grounded over the weekend Showed The Russian shield was destroyed in the same area.

Irfin River floods: Satellite images showed Monday Rising floods From the Irbin River. CNN previously reported that a dam across the Dnieper River flooded the Irbine River Basin and its tributaries. This river is important for Russian progress towards Kiev; If the Russians could not cross it, they would not be able to take Kiev from the west. It is not clear how the dam was flooded: whether the gates were deliberately opened by the Ukrainians or whether it was attacked by a military attack.

Porotianca: About 12 miles (20 km) north of Makari is the town of Porodianka, which was captured by Russian and Chechen forces from the beginning of the campaign. If the Ukrainians To take Porodianka, Forward Russian units may be disconnected. The battlefield is fluid, and the Russians can reverse recent losses. But if the Ukrainians capture Makari and expand their control over the region, Russian positions between the city and Kiev will suffer, further blocking the goal of pushing south beyond the east-west highway to encircle the capital.

Kherson and Mykolaiv: A Said a senior U.S. defense official The Ukrainians are fighting Withdraw the southern city of Gershon, as well as push Russian forces from the northeastern part of Mykolayiv, and re-establish them south of the city. The official warned that the United States could not say whether the move was part of a “larger action plan” for the Ukrainians, but called the Ukrainian defense “quick” and “active.”