Ukraine’s military regained territory on Saturday in the city of Izium after Russian forces retreated from the area, retaking a key military stronghold after more than five months of Russian occupation.
The Ukrainian military was seen outside the city via videos on Telegram, and an official involved with the operation confirmed to CNN that several units had entered the city. The news comes hours after it was reported by the Bohun Brigade of the Land Forces of Ukraine that Russian forces “escaped and left weapons and ammo behind.”
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“Troops are moving forward. They are not only gaining back territory but liberating people,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Saturday. “I think it’s really a moment of hope, even though maybe it’s a small moment of hope. This is what we need.”
The news also comes after the Ukrainian military had already recaptured the town of Kupysank, which is located roughly 30 miles north of Izium. The wins in the two cities mark a strategic victory for Ukrainian officials after they launched an offensive through the Kharkiv region earlier this week.
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The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed it had pulled its forces out of the cities of Balakliya and Izium on Saturday, seeking to “regroup” in order to “achieve the goals of the special military operation.” Despite the offensive wins from Ukraine, Russia occupies several important cities, including Mariupol, Zaporizhzhia, Melitopol, and Kherson.
“A sign of victory for me will be boarding a plane in Kharkiv and landing in Mariupol,” said Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Saturday, maintaining the country would not claim victory until the war is over.
