JAKARTA - Ukraine has recaptured more than 700 square km (270 square miles) of its region in the east and south during a lightning strike, a Ukrainian general said on Thursday.
The advantage, if confirmed and maintained, would be a serious blow to Russia, which Western intelligence agencies say has suffered many casualties.
They will also be a big boost for Kyiv, who wants to show Western supporters they can change the facts on the ground by force and deserve continued support.
Brigadier General Oleksany Gromov said at a press conference that Ukrainian troops had advanced up to 50 kilometers (30 miles) behind the Russian line and recaptured more than 20 villages in the Kharkiv region.
On that occasion, he praised Turkey's role in the Bayraktar drone.
"The enemy infantry units and motorized artillery that are not protected by the air defense system are easy prey for us Bayraktar, whose numbers are always increasing, thanks to our volunteers," Gromov said.
Separately, a Russian official said Moscow forces had put up a tough fight, preventing Kyiv's troops from taking at least one important city in the Kharkiv region. Reuters could not independently confirm battlefield accounts.
The previous night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had spoken of the 'good news' on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, thanking the three brigades for what he called their courage.
In a late-night speech to the nation, President Zelensky said: "This week we received good news from Kharkiv Oblast. You have most likely seen reports of Ukrainian defense activities recently. And I think every citizen feels proud of our fighters."
Russia has confirmed fighting in the Kharkiv region but has yet to confirm territorial losses, although the unverified social media accounts run by Russian military experts, imply Moscow is experiencing setbacks and need to be strengthened immediately.
The Kharkiv region borders Russia and its main city, Kharkiv, it has been hit by Russian missiles for months, after Moscow failed to seize it in the early stages of the February 24.
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