In a significant gain for Ukraine's counteroffensive against the Russian army, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday that the forces had recaptured the village of Klishchiivka on the southern flank of Bakhmut. This comes just days after the recapture of the nearby village of Andriivka. The fight for Klishchiivka has been intense and has taken weeks to achieve. The Ukrainian forces, including the 80th airborne assault brigade, the 5th assault brigade, the 95th brigade, and a national police assault brigade, displayed the national flag on the ruined buildings in the area as a symbol of victory.

While these reports could not be independently verified, Russia's defense ministry confirmed that its forces had continued attacks near Klishchiivka. Ukrainian military analysts believe that the liberation of settlements near Bakhmut will enable the military to advance from the southern flank and gain control of the heights in the area. Despite this success, President Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized that Ukraine will continue to defend its land and push forward with offensive actions against the invaders.

The successful recapture of Klishchiivka is seen as a boost for Ukraine as it seeks to rally international support and prepare for President Zelenskiy's visit to Washington this week. However, both US Gen Mark Milley and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg cautioned that the conflict is far from over and that a swift resolution is unlikely. The ongoing battle for Bakhmut has resulted in the destruction of several villages in the area, including Klishchiivka and Andriivka, highlighting the high stakes involved in the fight for control of the region.