War update: About 30 combat engagements recorded in five directions, heavy battles raging

The Russian forces continue to focus their main efforts on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka directions, where about 30 combat clashes have occurred over the past day.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its morning update posted on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

“Last night, the enemy attacked the territory of Ukraine again, using Iranian-made attack UAVs of the Shahed type. Information about the consequences of this attack is being clarified. Over the past day, the Russian invaders launched a missile and air strike on the territory of Ukraine, using two Kalibr cruise missiles, one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 20 Iranian-made Shahed attack UAVs. As a result of successful combat operations of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, two Kalibr cruise missiles and 20 attack drones were destroyed," the report says.

Also, the enemy launched 52 air strikes and carried out about 50 attacks using multiple launch rocket systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. Unfortunately, civilians were injured, including children, residential buildings and other civilian and administrative infrastructure were damaged.

The General Staff warns that the probability of further missile attacks and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high.

In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian soldiers are firmly holding the defense. The enemy launched air strikes on the area of Kyslivka and Kotliarivka. Stroivka, Krasne Pershe, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kupiansk of Kharkiv region were subjected to enemy artillery and mortar attacks.

In the Lyman direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensives east of Nevske in Luhansk region and Terny in Donetsk region. The invaders launched air strikes on the areas of Nevske and Bilohorivka in Luhansk region and Spirne in Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Nevske, Bilohorivka in Luhansk region, and Torske, Verkhniokamianske, Spirne, and Rozdolivka in Donetsk region, came under enemy artillery fire.

In the Avdiivka direction, under heavy enemy artillery fire, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks in the area of Pervomaiske. The enemy launched an air strike near Avdiivka. In addition, the invaders opened artillery fire at more than 10 settlements, including Berdychi, Stepove and Avdiivka in Donetsk region.

In the Marinka direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the area of Marinka. The Russians shelled more than 10 settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Marinka, and Heorhiivka in Donetsk region.

As reported, since February 24, 2022, the Defense Forces of Ukraine have eliminated more than 236,000 Russian invaders.