Defense forces make gradual progress on one of flanks around Bakhmut and in south

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said this on the air of the national telethon "United News", Ukrinform reports.

"We have advances on the southern flank around Bakhmut, on the northern flank, we are frankly speaking. There are battles there, no advance. In the south, we have advances every day," Maliar said.

Deputy Minister noted that the enemy is putting all its efforts to seize the initiative in the east of the country, particularly in the Liman and Bakhmut directions.

"The whole battle is about fighting for it. We have the strategic initiative, locally speaking, and we are fighting for this initiative," said Maliar.

She cited an example of when one stronghold can be taken over several times during the day by both the Defense Forces and the enemy.

As Ukrinform reported, citing Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, Russian troops have not advanced as planned in the east since January.