Key Ukrainian cities Melitopol, Kyiv still out of Russian hands: Reports

Russian forces have not yet captured the southeastern Ukrainian city of Melitopol, despite claims of the Vladimir Putin-led Moscow government, said British armed forces minister James Heappey, on Saturday, as per Reuters. The agency also reported Heappey stating that Russian advances to Kyiv had been halted by Ukrainian resistance.

Notably, AFP also reported Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying “We’ve derailed their plan,” speaking of Russia’s intention to capture the nation’s capital.  

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Meanwhile, the British armed forces minister observed that the Russian government hadn’t managed to capture any of the intended targets in Ukraine, since the assault on the sovereign nation began on Thursday, as per Reuters. 

Speaking to BBC Radio, Heappey said, “Even Melitopol, which the Russians are claiming to have taken but we can’t see anything to substantiate that, are all still in Ukrainian hands”. 

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The minister further continued, “The reality is that the armoured columns that were coming down from Belarus and the north that were going to encircle Kyiv are still some way north because they’ve been held up by this incredible Ukrainian resistance”. 

Heappey noted that British defence minister Ben Wallace had organized a meeting with 25 other nations on Friday, where they agreed to provide increased humanitarian or military aid to Ukraine, Reuters reported. 

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Meanwhile, the 44-year-old Ukrainian president also championed the anti-war coalition and tagged French President Emmanuel Macron in a post, saying, “A new day on the diplomatic frontline began with a conversation with @EmmanuelMacron. Weapons and equipment from our partners are on the way to Ukraine. The anti-war coalition is working!” 

Russia’s assault on Ukraine began with Putin sending in supposed peacekeeping forces after recognizing the independence of Ukrainian breakaway regions. However, amid the attacks, individual tales of Ukrainian bravery have surfaced, including the Ghost of Kyiv, the Tank-Man, and a brave soldier who blew himself up to impede Russian progress.