Similar restrictions have been slapped on British nationals tonight. We reported at 12.25pm that Russia has decided to ban dozens of Moldovan officials from entering the country, apparently in retaliation for Moldova's decision to kick out some Russian diplomats over spying allegations. This week's victory in the small village of Urozhaine has been trumpeted as a leap forwards - but the fact remains that it was the first settlement Ukraine had reclaimed in 20 days, and it's still over 90 miles from Melitopol. Ukraine is slowly inching towards the Sea of Azov. Progress towards Melitopol, Washington believed it was still The official added that despite the report and limited Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official told the Washington Post that Ukraine is unlikely to reach Melitopol, citing an intelligence report. Its location within touching distance of the Sea of Azov, and almost in the exact centre between two critical cities - Kherson and Mariupol - mean it's of huge strategic significance.īut after relatively slow progress in a three-month counteroffensive, US officials are reportedly sceptical Ukraine will make it. Once home to some 150,000 people, it's been under Russian control since March 2022. One of the main aims of Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive has been to retake the southern city of Melitopol.

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