For the ZSU, every liberated settlement is strategically important, because they are waiting for us there

The liberation of Balakliya, like many other cities and villages of the Kharkiv region, is the result of a complex operation that became possible thanks to careful planning of the offensive, the heroism of the soldiers and the resource support of Ukraine from Western partners. 
Every settlement freed from Russian occupation is strategically important, because the citizens of Ukraine are waiting there for the return of Ukrainian power. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar during a briefing in the center of Balakliya, Kharkiv region. - The first successful operation was the liberation of Kyiv and the Kyiv region. An operation is currently underway in the Kharkiv region. Active military operations are underway to defend our territory. We must understand that Ukraine has 2,500 kilometers of front, of which 1,300 kilometers are active combat operations.

There are areas where we are liberating territories, but in Donetsk region we are defending ourselves, fierce battles are taking place here. In the same way, in the south, where a defensive operation is ongoing, within which offensive actions are also carried out - this is a very difficult process, - noted Hanna Maliar According to her, the liberation of Balaklea is an important stage in the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories not only in view of the strategic importance of this Ukrainian city, but also a testimony that Ukrainians under the rule of the invader not only did not lose hope for liberation, but also contributed to it with the strength of their spirit escape from Ukrainian land. - In every city, we are happy that the Armed Forces are vacating the territories. We saw how the local population was happy about it. They were moved to tears.

They lived without communication - Russia completely blocked it and our Ukrainian people, who were here under occupation, did not know what was really happening. the Russians told them that Ukraine does not exist, that Ukraine has a different president, that Ukraine will no longer come for them. But despite everything, our people continued to believe that Ukraine would return. For us, every settlement that is vacated is strategically important, and this is primarily because they are waiting for us there. Balakleya, where you and I are now, was liberated by a group specially created for this purpose - units of the Special Operations Forces, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense and the Ground Forces were involved. The operation will continue until the complete liberation of Kharkiv region. the Russians were defeated here and their troops behaved here in the same way as during the liberation of Kyiv region. When they realized that they were going to be defeated, they announced that they were changing their plan of operation. While retreating, the Russian army, as it did near Kiev, mines and blows up everything behind it.

Just like near Kyiv - when fleeing, they leave behind everything: from transport and weapons to their underwear, - noted Hanna Maliar