Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian troops in the south of the country has made “notable progress” in recent days, the White House said on Friday.
Three months into the Nato-backed push, Ukrainian forces penetrated Russian lines this week, marking a significant moment in the war.
“We have noted over the last 72 hours or so, some notable progress by Ukrainian armed forces in that southern line of defence coming out of the Zaporizhzhia area,” White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said during a press call.
“And they have achieved some success against that second line of Russian defences,” Mr Kirby said.
Military experts said Ukrainian forces have advanced through several kilometres of Russian lines between Robotyne and Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Kyiv’s aim, they say, is to advance south towards the Sea of Azov and off cut Russian troops’ access to Crimea.
But the Russian army has set up a formidable defence system ahead, which includes fortified trenches, mines, tanks, sniper zones and concrete pill boxes.
“That is not to say that they aren't mindful that they still got some tough fighting ahead of them as they try to push further south,” Mr Kirby said. He added that the US would remain committed to ensuring Ukraine's readiness.
The administration of President Joe Biden has so far contributed more than $43 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion began in February last year.
It has also supplied Ukrainian troops with a wide range of weapons systems, tanks, jets and training.
The development comes after media reports last week quoted unnamed US and western officials who said that Ukraine’s offensive had made limited progress in recent months.
Mr Kirby admitted that Ukraine’s progress has been “slow” in some areas, but that such comments are “not helpful” in ensuring Ukraine’s success.
“We've all seen the criticism by anonymous officials out there, which frankly is not helpful,” Mr Kirby said.
“It has been slow in some areas, slower than they themselves have said they'd like to go.
“You can't deny that they have made progress now.”
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Ad Astra
Director: James Gray
Stars: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones
Five out of five stars
THREE
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
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Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
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Key facilities
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- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
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Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
