Ukrainian forces hold firm amid Russian advances, with $100m in humanitarian aid from Qatar.

Ukraine’s ground forces have successfully repelled multiple Russian attacks near Kupiansk and Lyman in the Donetsk region, as the battle in these critical areas continues to intensify. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the head of Ukraine’s ground forces, reported that despite Russia’s relentless assaults using its most professional units, Ukraine’s defense lines remain intact.

Syrskyi highlighted that Ukrainian forces are focused on neutralizing enemy artillery, and while the situation in the Bakhmut direction is particularly tense, small advances are being made in reclaiming lost territory. Ukraine’s troops are making strategic counter-battery efforts, aiming to suppress Russian artillery in these high-stakes regions.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared a video showing Ukrainian soldiers celebrating the recapture of Staromaiorske, a village located east of Zaporizhzhia. However, despite these victories, Russia’s offensive continues, with Yevgeny Balitsky, the head of the Russian-imposed administration in Zaporizhzhia, claiming Russian forces still control parts of the Vremivka area and are holding their ground despite heavy losses.

In addition to the ongoing military efforts, Qatar has pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, targeting areas such as health, education, and demining. This significant contribution follows Qatar’s commitment to support Ukraine’s ongoing recovery and resilience in the face of the ongoing war.

As night fell in Ukraine, the threat of missile attacks remained high, with Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s air force, urging residents to stay vigilant. While the night was relatively quiet, there is a persistent risk of Russian airstrikes.