Ukraine’s armed forces declared on Friday that the village of Andriivka, located near the frontline town of Bakhmut, has been “liberated.” This statement came a day after premature claims of its recapture.
Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar had initially announced on Thursday that Kyiv had regained control of the village from Russian forces. However, Ukrainian troops on the ground reported ongoing fighting, prompting a retraction of the claim.
However, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed on Friday that Andriivka is now under Ukrainian control. According to their Facebook post, the defense forces successfully liberated the village, inflicting significant losses on the enemy, and consolidating their position at the occupied frontiers.
Andriivka, situated approximately 14 kilometers south of Bakhmut, had a population of less than 100 people before the war.
In June, Kyiv initiated a pushback against Moscow’s forces in the south and east of the country, following an increase in Western weapons and the recruitment of assault battalions.
Malyar’s premature announcement regarding the capture of Andriivka was contradicted by Ukrainian soldiers on the ground. The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade fighting in the Donetsk region stated that the statement was unfair and that there were still significant battles in the Klishchivka and Andriivka areas.
Malyar later clarified the situation, explaining that there had been a communication breakdown. On Friday, she officially confirmed that Andriivka had indeed been captured by Ukrainian troops.
Bakhmut, a town which was once inhabited by around 70,000 people, was seized by Russian forces in May after a lengthy and bloody battle. However, Ukrainian forces immediately began pushing back on the northern and southern flanks of the city, gradually making gains.
