His Troops Fired Five Moscow Missiles, President Zelensky: Russia's Heavy Loss, Saves Many Ukraine's Lifes

JAKARTA - President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the success of his troops shooting down five Russian cruise missiles in the south, which he assessed saved the lives of many Ukrainians, although he did not mention the military's success in the east required by previous officials.

"This morning alone, five of Russia's six X-101 missiles fell," President Zelensky said in a late speech.

"This is a heavy loss for Russia, and it saved many Ukrainian lives. Four of these missiles were brought down by the South air command district," said President Zelensky.

Reuters was unable to independently verify President Zelensky's statement, and there was no immediate response from Russia.

Although Ukrainian officials did not provide specific details, some posts on social media from military bloggers and witnesses reported fighting around Balakliia.

This city in the east has a population of 27,000 people, located between Russia-controlled Kharkiv and Izyum. A city with a major rail hub used by Moscow, to supply its power.

One tweet by President Zelensky's adviser spoke of a 'good news' coming from the president about operations in the Kharkiv region. Reuters was unable to independently verify reports posted on social media.

Little information has emerged about the progress of Ukraine's main attack on the southern Kherson region, with Kyiv barring journalists from the front lines and only releasing limited reports to keep the element of surprise.

Russia says it has fended off the Kherson attack, but Ukraine has reported a stable success in the attack.

Western military experts say Ukraine's southern destination appears to be to trap thousands of Russian troops on the west coast of the wide Dnipro River, cutting them off by destroying their back supply lines.

The simultaneous announcement of Ukraine's progress near Kharkiv is an indication that Russian forces are having trouble strengthening along the front lines, said Mark Hertling, a retired former US army commander in Europe.

"This confirms Russia's inability to maneuver troops between its theater locations and their troop defenses to counter Ukraine's offensive actions," Hertling tweeted.

Ukraine is also increasing attacks on Russian-occupied areas against authorities stationed by Moscow.