Zelenskiy says Ukrainian strength dominates, top officers report progress

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with Commander of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces Viktor Khorenko at a temporary position, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine July 29, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

(Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukraine's military faced difficulties on front lines in the east and south of the country, but were dominant in their campaign.

Senior military officials reported Ukrainian gains in the east -- long the focal point of the 17-month-old conflict - around the shattered Russian-held city of Bakhmut.