War update: Ukrainian forces repulse seven Russian attacks in Donetsk, Luhansk regions
In Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraine's defenders repulsed seven enemy attacks, destroying ten main battle tanks, eighteen armored units, and eight vehicles, an artillery system, and a mortar.
That’s according to an operational update by the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.
As of 6:00 on Tuesday, April 19, the Russians are trying to continue offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone in order to establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as to maintain a land corridor with the temporarily occupied Crimea.
Missile and air strikes on civilian targets throughout Ukraine are underway, intensifying in the western regions of Ukraine on April 18.
In certain areas of Slobozhansky and Donetsk operational districts, the Russians are running offensive and assault operations.
More weapons and military equipment is being sent to Ukraine from the central and eastern regions of Russia. Support units are being deployed along with the combat ones.
Logistical centers are being deployed, as well as equipment repair field bases.
The invaders continue to partially block the city of Kharkiv. To strengthen air defenses of their offensive group, the Russians are transferring additional anti-aircraft missile divisions of short-range surface-to-air missile system "Tor" (SA-15 Gauntlet) to Kharkiv region.
At the same time, mobile long range surface-to-air missile divisions of S-400s (SA-21 Growler) and S-300s (SA-10 Grumble) were deployed in the areas of Russia’s Belgorod region bordering on Ukraine to cover the main command and control points, as well as the rear.
In the Izium direction, the Russians are conducting offensive operations on the left bank of the Siversky Donets River. To support the offensive n this direction, the enemy created a system of main and reserve firing positions for rocket and barrel artillery.
In the Donetsk and Tavria directions, the Russians intensified offensive operations along the entire line of contact.
The main efforts are focused on penetrating Ukraine’s defenses in Luhansk and Donetsk regions, as well as establishing full control over the city of Mariupol. In Zaporozhia region, the occupying troops are amassing forces in certain areas.
In the South Buh direction, the Russians focus on advancing to the administrative border of Kherson region. In order to improve the tactical situation, the Russian occupiers are conducting offensive operations in the area of Oleksandrivka. They also continue shelling of civilian objects in Mykolaiv.
No significant changes have been recorded in the Volyn, Polissya, and Siversky directions.
Belarus continues to provide its territory for air strikes on Ukraine and reconnaissance of targets on the Ukrainian territory.
According to the available updated information, the losses of the 126th Coast Guard Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet are up to 75%. The 810th Independent Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet has 158 KIAs, about 500 WIAs, and 70 MIAs.
A significant number of servicemen of these brigades filed reports, refusing to participate in the so-called "special operation."