Ukrainian forces have retaken more than 3,000 sq km since early Sep – army chief

Ukraine's Armed Forces have already liberated more than 3,000 square kilometers of area from Russian invaders since the beginning of September.

Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, said this in a Facebook post, Ukrinform reports.

"The Armed Forces continue to liberate Russian-occupied territories. Since the beginning of September, more than 3,000 square kilometers have been returned to Ukraine's control," the post reads.

According to him, "in the Kharkiv direction, we started advancing not only to the south and east, but also to the north. There are 50 km left to reach the state border."

Zaluzhnyi also published photos showing the results of the work of several Ukrainian units. He said that in close interaction, units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces had reclaimed the villages of Bairak, Nova Husarivka, Shchurivka, and Vilkhuvatka. "The capture of the powerful strongholds of the Russian troops, which the Russians proudly named 'Maskva,' 'Omsk' and 'Piter,' made it possible to launch a counter-offensive on Balakliia, Izium and Kupiansk," he wrote.

"I am proud and grateful to every Ukrainian service member. I am honored to fight side by side with you. Eternal memory to those who died in the battles for Ukraine!" Zaluzhnyi said.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported earlier that as of the morning of September 11, Ukrainian forces have entered Kupiansk and continue to liberate settlements in the Kupiansk and Izium districts in the Kharkiv region.