The war between Russia and Ukraine is currently in its early stages as Ukraine launched its boldest counterattack since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

A senior Ukrainian military official claimed on Friday that the country’s armed forces have repelled a Russian offensive targeting the eastern cities of Kupyansk and Liman and are advancing to the south.

According to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, “We had very intense fighting in the Kupiansk and Liman directions, but our troops stopped the enemy there.”

Ukraine claims to have retaken eight villages, its first major victory on the battlefield in seven months, as it launches its most ambitious offensive since a full-scale invasion of Russia in February 2022.

However, Russia continues to control large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, and the Ukrainian army has not yet advanced to Russia’s primary defensive lines, which it had months to build.

Indeed, the great events are yet to come. The biggest shock is yet to come. In fact, according to Maliar, some of the reserves—these are planned events—will be activated in the future.

He claimed that the Donetsk and Luhansk areas of eastern Ukraine were still under the watch of the Russian army.

He said Ukraine’s military operation in the south was progressing as planned, despite landmines slowing its troops.

“In the army, based on their reports and locations, everything seems to be going according to plan. According to Malliyar, it is not necessary to predict that the attack will proceed swiftly.

“Every day, we are making progress. Yes, it is slow, but our troops are gaining ground on these borders and are slowly moving forward.”

Reuters was unable to independently verify the status of the fighting. Since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive, both sides claim they have suffered significant losses and Moscow has not recognized Ukraine’s recent military successes.