Russia has deployed more troops to Ocheretyne in eastern Ukraine as part of an offensive, but Ukrainian forces maintain control of most of the village and anticipate US arms deliveries to bolster their position, according to the Ukrainian military, Reuters reports.
The Russians have advanced through several villages in the east since capturing Avdiivka in February, as Ukrainian forces faced dwindling supplies. Fierce fighting continues in Ocheretyne, but Ukrainian forces claim to have two-thirds of the village under control. Russian forces are also targeting the strategic town of Chasiv Yar to the north, aiming to capture it as part of their larger push to control the Donbas region.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Ukrainian morale received a boost with the approval of a major US aid package containing military assistance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of a possible Russian offensive in late May or June.
