Colonel-General Syrskyi visits Ukrainian soldiers on eastern front

That's according to Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrinform reports, citing the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

"In order to stop the offensive actions of our troops in the Bakhmut area, the enemy is actively moving additional forces and means to this sector, most of them consisting of airborne troops," Syrskyi said.

According to him, the Russian army went on the offensive in the Kupiansk sector, setting itself the goal of defeating Ukrainian troops near Kupiansk and continuing the offensive deep into Ukrainian-controlled territory.

The top commander said that in such difficult conditions, he visited the combat brigades of the Ukrainian grouping and met with the commanders of military units to adjust plans and solve problems on the spot.

"Of course, I met with our servicemen in each of the brigades and presented the best soldiers with awards, valuable gifts and bonus certificates," Syrskyi added.

According to him, all the necessary decisions were made with commanders to stabilize the situation in the Lyman sector.

"All commanders understand the importance of the assigned tasks in terms of destroying the enemy, continuing offensive actions and holding the operational initiative," he said.

Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar earlier said that the enemy had been actively advancing in the Kupiansk sector for several days in a row. Ukrainian defenders are on the defensive, and fierce fighting is going on.