Ukrainian forces advance 12 km into Russian-held territory in southern Ukraine - General Marchenko

As of September 12, Ukrainian forces have advanced 12 kilometers into Russian-held territory in southern Ukraine and recaptured more than 500 square kilometers of their homeland.

Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Marchenko told this to Suspilne television, Ukrinform reports.

According to him, thanks to the successful planning of Ukraine's Operational Command South, the Ukrainian military liberated 13 settlements in occupied southern areas.

"More than 1,800 Russian soldiers, two aircraft and two helicopters have been destroyed over the last two weeks. More than 120 tanks, more than 130 artillery systems, and more than 20 multiple launch rocket systems have been destroyed. Thanks to the modern equipment that international partners provided to us, Ukrainian artillery strikes destroyed bridges, 150 Russian command posts, and about 70 ammunition depots," Marchenko said.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there is confirmation that Russian commanding officers in the Kherson direction are morally very depressed.

"As far as we know, they were ordered not to open fire, but to hold negotiations with the Ukrainian military and liberate the occupied territories," Marchenko added.

Earlier reports said that Ukraine's firepower disrupts Russian attempts to bring in sufficient reserves to the right bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region.