Kyiv Downplays Russian Claims to Have Foiled Major Offensive in Donetsk

Ukrainian tanks move toward Bakhmut, in the Donetsk Oblast region, on March 20, 2023. Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images

Moscow’s forces have beaten back a multi-pronged Ukrainian offensive in the eastern Donetsk region, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed on June 5.

“On June 4, the enemy made an unsuccessful attempt at a large-scale offensive in the South Donetsk direction,” the ministry stated in a daily briefing.