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GuardianMAY 12 2024
Report: Four Ukrainian Villages Captured in Fresh Russian Offensive
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The Facts
After launching a fresh offensive in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region in the early hours of Friday, Russian forces have so far captured four villages, according to Ukrainian media.
Military sources who spoke to Ukrainska Pravda said that the villages of Strilecha, Krasne, Pylna and Borysivka had all fallen to Russian hands over the past day.
In a statement later in the day, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces did not concede the fall of the villages, but described them as being in a "gray zone" — adding that defensive and counteroffensive battles were ongoing.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While Russia may make more advances, the delivery of US weapons will quickly enable Ukraine to push back against these attacks and stymie this offensive. Russia will not achieve any major breakthroughs with this effort.
Pro-Russia narrative
With Ukraine's Western partners providing it with long-range weapons that have an increased range, it was necessary for Russia to launch this offenisve in order to create a buffer zone so that it can keep Russian citizens safe.