MEZIESBLOG

Ukraine has averted a “catastrophic” situation in the village of Niu-York, in the eastern Donetsk region, the Azov Brigade has said.

The brigade said in order to improve the tactical situation in the town of Toretsk, troops were engaged in defensive and offensive operations in and around the village of Niu-York, which sits south of the town.

“At the time the brigade was deployed to the area, the situation on the front line was catastrophic,” they said on X.

“However, thanks to the high morale, courage and professionalism of the brigade’s fighters, Azov managed to stabilise the situation, regain control of part of New York and unblock the defence forces, which were surrounded by enemy troops.

“At the moment, the situation remains tense.”

For context: The Azov Brigade, which has far-right and ultra nationalist roots, is part of Ukraine’s National Guard and evolved out of a battalion that fought during Russia’s occupation of Crimea 10 years ago.

In response to the neo-Nazi ideology of the group’s founders, the US had banned the regiment from using American weapons in 2014.

But in June this year the US State Department lifted the ban and said the Azov Brigade was now allowed to use American weapons against Russia.

Current members of the group reject any ties with the far-right but have been designated as terrorists by Russia, who continue to say they are an “ultranationalist armed formation”.

Zelenskyy arrives at Ramstein Air Base in Germany

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to discuss air defence, weapons delivery and the need for “strong” decisions on long-range strikes to bring a “just peace” closer.

In a statement on Telegram, the Ukrainian president said he would meet with US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and German defence minister Boris Pistorius. He will also hold separate negotiations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Mr Zelenskyy will travel to Italy after visiting Germany.

He said: “It is necessary that all the weapons from the already announced support packages finally get to the combat brigades. And strong long-range decisions by partners are needed to bring the just peace we seek closer.”