In Bakhmut sector, enemy increases number of airstrikes, artillery attacks – Defense Ministry

In the Bakhmut sector, the enemy increased the number of heavy artillery attacks and airstrikes.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said this in a post on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"The enemy's offensive in the east continues. Bakhmut and Maryinka remain at the epicenter of hostilities," said Maliar.

In three sectors - Lyman, Avdiivka, and Maryinka – enemy offensive actions had no success.

According to the General Staff, in the Kupiansk sector, enemy's actions were also unsuccessful.

"In the Bakhmut direction, the intensity of heavy artillery usage and airstrikes has increased. The enemy is simply razing the buildings and structures of Bakhmut city to the ground," Maliar said.

Ukrainian defenders conducted both defensive and active assault operations today, April 17.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled 50 enemy attacks and shot down Russia’s Merlin drone over the past day.

Photo: AFU General Staff