Russia’s Defense Ministry: No ‘defensive breakthroughs’ at the front lines in Ukraine

Reports of “defensive breakthroughs” at various points along the line of contact between Russian and Ukrainian troops do not correspond to reality, says an official statement that Russia’s Defense Ministry put out on the evening of May 11.

The ministry emphasized that “the general situation in the SVO [‘special military operation’] zone is under control.”

The Defense Ministry adds that Russia thwarted three attempts at speculative fire and repelled eight attacks at the Donetsk front. The ministry’s statement also says that Wagner Group mercenaries are continuing to advance toward the western section of Bakhmut.

Several pro-war Russian Telegram channels began reporting on May 11 that Ukraine’s long-anticipated counteroffensive had begun, saying that Ukraine’s Armed Forces had broken through the front lines near Soledar and launched an operation to encircle Russian troops in Bakhmut. Kyiv has not commented on the reports.