Maliar on escalation in east: Enemy on the offensive in several directions

The situation in eastern Ukraine is remaining tense. Ukrainian forces are holding defense in the Kharkiv direction, while advancing and holding back the enemy in certain areas in the Donetsk direction.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Defense Deputy Minister Hanna Maliar on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“For two days in a row, the enemy has been actively conducting offensive actions in the Kharkiv region’s Kupiansk sector. We are holding defense. Fierce battles are underway, and positions of the parties change dynamically several times a day,” Maliar wrote.

In the Bakhmut direction, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are gradually advancing. In particular, there are daily advances on the southern flank around Bakhmut.

“On the northern flank, we are trying to hold the re-captured positions. The enemy is attacking. In Bakhmut itself, we fire at the enemy, and the enemy at us,” Maliar added.

In the Avdiivka and Marinka directions, Russian troops continue offensive actions. Ukrainian defenders are effectively holding them back. Fierce battles are raging with no change in positions.

A reminder that, between February 24, 2022 and July 16, 2023, Russia’s total combat losses in Ukraine reached about 237,680 troops.

Photo: General Staff