The week that was, Ukraine news covered key developments in the war in the country. Some articles covered the Ukrainian troops’ counterattacks, others covered the Russian redeployment of troops in southern Ukraine. Here are some key articles. Let’s start with the latest news about Paul Urey, who was captured by pro-Russian forces in Crimea.

Ukrainian forces have launched counterattacks in Kharkiv region

Ukrainian forces have launched counterattacks in the Kharkiv region, forcing Russian troops to retreat, according to a CNN report. Ukrainian troops have reclaimed about 400 square kilometers of territory and have been able to retake the towns of Verbivka and Volokhiv Yar. CNBC, however, could not verify these reports. But the Institute for Study of War, a Washington -based analytical group, has noted that Russian forces have been reallocated to the south and have been bolstered for an offensive in the Kherson region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed the Western powers for enforcing sanctions against his country, saying that such sanctions are bad for the world. In response, Ukrainian forces have launched counterattacks in the Kharkiv region, reportedly targeting Russian troops on three fronts: the Donbas region in the east and the Kherson Oblast in the south. The Russian military is caught between supporting the Donbas offensive and defending against Ukrainian advances in the south.

The Russians are trying to block Ukraine’s efforts to advance west and north from the Dnipro River. Several villages in the region have been captured and Ukrainian forces have been advancing towards the Russian supply line south of Kharkiv. But there are mixed reports regarding the success of the offensive.

Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive in the south of the country and are integrating foreign assistance. In a statement at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, U.S. Ambassador John Austin said the package of weapons included air -launched HARM missiles aimed at destroying the Russian air defense radar. It also included small arms and armored ambulances.

Ukraine’s presidential adviser, Oleksiy Arestovych, said the counteroffensive in Kharkiv is “lightning fast,” and said it coincides with the southern offensive in Kherson. According to geo -locatable images uploaded by Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian forces captured Verbivka on Tuesday. According to the Institute for Study of War, Ukrainian forces have also claimed to have shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-25 aircraft near Volokhiv Yar.

Russia’s redeployment of troops to southern Ukraine has facilitated counterattacks

It has been reported that the Russian army has retreated to the southern Ukraine to fight against Ukrainian troops, but the Ukrainian counterattack has gained momentum in eastern Ukraine. This is partly because Ukrainian forces have

established a bridgehead south of the lngulets River, which forms the northern border of Russian-occupied Kherson. The 49th Army, which is positioned on the west bank of the Dnipro River, now looks highly vulnerable. Furthermore, Kherson is surrounded by other areas where Russia has deployed its troops.

According to Ukrainian and Russian sources, Ukrainian forces repelled Russian advances near Lyubomirivka, located 25km northwest of Kherson City. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army carried out 150 fire missions in Kherson Oblast, targeting Russian river crossings in critical areas. Ukraine’s General Staff has noted that the strikes have impacted Russian offensive operations. Despite the counterattacks, Ukrainian officials are maintaining operational silence and are not providing details on ground movements.

In eastern Ukraine, rocket attacks from Russian forces have destroyed three buildings. The buildings were inhabited by residents of factories nearby, and rescue workers spent 24 hours pulling people out of the rubble. The attack killed four civilians and injured at least 14 others.

In addition to military aid, Western military equipment has facilitated the attack on the Russian military infrastructure. However, it has been noted that Western equipment alone is not enough to turn the war decisively in Ukraine’s favor. In fact, military experts have suggested that this assistance is unlikely to make a decisive difference.

In recent days, the Ukrainian military has launched a counteroffensive in the Donbas region. This effort is progressing slowly and Ukraine has remained tight-lipped about its progress, seeking to preserve its tactical advantage. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to cut off all gas supplies to Europe if the Ukraine is not compliant with its demands. He also hinted that a cutoff would freeze the region. However, he has denied any involvement in the conflict.

Vodka is served in Ukrainian bars and restaurants

In the Ukraine, drinking pure vodka is considered to be indecent. Instead, they mix it with other ingredients like herbs, spices, fruits, and grains. These combinations are called medovukha, nalyvka, and varenukha. They are served in bars and restaurants throughout the country.

As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, many bars and restaurants are pulling Russian vodka off their menus. In addition, the United States and the European Union are placing sanctions on Russian banks and tech companies. As a result, many are promoting Ukrainian brands. In a way, they’re showing their support.

Some American bar and restaurant owners are trying to show their support for the Ukrainian people by taking Moscow Mules off their menus and replacing them with Kyiv Mules. Many of these small businesses do not have any direct business ties to Russia, but they still feel strongly about the recent attacks on the Ukrainian people. Thus, they’re changing the names of their drinks to reflect their political views. For example, one bar’s Snake Island Mule is named after the territory in Ukraine where border guards made a last defiant stand against invading troops.

While many American restaurants and bars continue to serve Russian vodka, some have chosen to ignore the bans. In Ohio, for example, the Division of Liquor Control

has ordered retailers to remove Russian-made vodka from their shelves. It is not the first state to make this move. Utah and New Hampshire have also taken similar steps. Similarly, Texas has made it optional for bars and restaurants to serve Russian vodka.

Paul Urey was captured by pro-Russian forces in Crimea

Pro-Russian forces in the Crimea have reportedly killed a British citizen who was captured by the separatists. He was in the area with two other men, Dylan Healy and Paul Urey. Urey was committed to humanitarian work in the Ukraine after eight years of service in Afghanistan as a civilian contractor. His family were concerned about his well-being as he had type one diabetes and needed insulin to stay alive.

The British government has summoned the Russian ambassador to London to explain its position. This follows reports that Urey’s death in custody was the result of torture. Pro-Russian forces in the region have accused Urey of mercenary activity. Urey’s family have described the Russians as “f***ing murderers”.

The British volunteer Paul Urey came to Ukraine with the intention of helping troubled citizens. He went into pro-Russian territory to rescue a woman and her family. In April, the pro -Russian separatists captured Urey and his family. They later returned his body with signs of torture.

The separatists who control the territory in eastern Ukraine are also concerned about the health of Urey. He has diabetes and his family members have made repeated complaints about his treatment. He was also not mentioned in the Russian arrest announcement. The UK government has summoned the Russian ambassador, Andrei Kelin, over the incident.

1.6 million Ukrainians have been forced to relocate to Russia

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has become the country of origin, transit, and arrival for migrants fleeing persecution in their home countries. It has also become a provider of ‘durable solutions’ for ethnic Ukrainians returning home following the Soviet-era exile.

The Russian authorities have been accused of deporting as many as 1.6 million Ukrainians, including children. Survivors and eyewitnesses have reported harassment, threats, and incidents of torture by Russian security forces. They have also been accused of capturing biometric data, subjecting civilians to invasive searches, and even coercing them to sign agreements to remain in Russia.

Human rights organizations have called for these deportations to be considered war crimes. While Russia acknowledges that it is taking Ukrainian citizens to Russia, the move has been disproportionate and unconstitutional. The Russian government has a long history of forcibly moving civilians and separating families. They also confiscate Ukrainian passports and issue Russian ones, and they have been causing a major demographic change in parts of Ukraine.

As the conflict continues in Ukraine, the humanitarian situation there is increasingly

critical. With over 3.5 million people now displaced, many more remain at risk and in desperate need of urgent assistance. In addition to food and shelter, most of these displaced populations lack access to medical care. Furthermore, over 1.4 million people do not have running water in eastern Ukraine. 1.6 million others are at risk of losing access to water.

Under Stalin, annexation continued. As a result, the Soviet government began a man-made famine in the Ukraine, known as the Holodomor. It killed millions of Ukrainians and was made worse by the Soviet government’s rejection of outside aid, confiscation of household foodstuffs, and restrictions on population movement. In addition, it affected national and ethnic minorities, including ethnic Germans and Crimean Tatars.