Zelenskyy gives update on frontline situation: Hardest fighting near Kramatorsk

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined the current situation on the frontline, saying that in Sumy region, out of 18 key points — including occupied villages — six have already been liberated.

He said this during a meeting with journalists on August 12.

«Sumy region. We had 18 points — occupied villages or important points. Six have been liberated. So we are moving forward. This is good news, ” he said.

In two settlements, Ukrainian forces have reached the border with Russia.

«In two points, we reached the border with the Russian Federation. I think that’s more or less positive, ” the President said.

Citing reports from Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian troops have cleared about 900 more metres of territory near several points close to the border.

In Zaporizhzhia region, he said, Ukrainian forces are holding their positions.

On Luhansk region, Zelensky gave no details but said there had been an advance one kilometre into enemy positions.

«I cannot specify which units are operating and where, because the operation is ongoing, ” he said.

In the Kharkiv sector, the situation remains stable.

«Kharkiv direction — we are holding, ” the President said.

Hardest situation — Kramatorsk, Dobropillia-Kramatorsk

At the same time, Zelenskyy called the situation in the Kramatorsk area and along the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk axis the most difficult. He said Russian groups had managed to advance about 10 km in several spots, but without equipment — only with small arms. Some have already been eliminated, others captured, and the rest are expected to be destroyed soon.

«Groups of the Russians advanced about 10 kilometres in several spots. All of them without equipment, only weapons in their hands. Some have already been found, partly destroyed, partly captured. We will find and destroy the others soon. We understand the purpose of this advance, ” he said.

Zelenskyy said the aim of such advances is to create an information effect ahead of August 15, before Putin’s meeting with Trump, particularly in the U.S. media space, to portray supposed successes of Russian forces.