Ukrainian forces mounted a major attack early Thursday in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, as Ukraine’s Army went on the offensive on multiple fronts in an operation that carries high stakes for Kyiv and its Western allies.
A senior U.S. official said that Thursday’s attack appeared to be a main thrust of a much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. For months, Kyiv officials have been mobilizing new units, gathering advanced weapons and training for what its leaders have billed as a major attack aimed at pushing Russian forces back and retaking occupied territory.
The advancing Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhzhia included German Leopard 2 tanks and American Bradley fighting vehicles, a strong indication that the counteroffensive was underway in several locations, according to the official, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential briefings on operational details.
