Russia switches to active defense in Berdiansk, Melitopol directions – military

"In the zone of responsibility of the Tavria group of troops, the enemy continues to focus its efforts on conducting offensive operations in Avdiyivka and Maryinka directions, and active defensive operations are also recorded in Berdiansk and Melitopol directions," Major Valeriy Shershen, spokesman for the joint press center of the defense forces of Ukraine of Tavria direction, said during the United News telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He noted that the Russians had attacked Ukrainian military positions 24 times over the past day.

"Under heavy enemy aircraft and artillery fire, our defenders successfully repelled all attacks of the Russian troops. In addition, the enemy launched 577 strikes using tanks, MLRS, and tube artillery," the spokesman said.

He noted that the Russians had significantly intensified airstrikes and Quadro kamikaze drone strikes.

Over the past 24 hours, enemy dense air fire, 23 air strikes were recorded. Su-35 aircraft are also used.

“Moreover, 15 Quadro kamikaze drone strikes were recorded, which is the biggest number in a week. And this is done to force us to abandon, particularly, the offensive operations," Shershen informed.

The spokesman stressed that the Ukrainian military perfectly understands the tactic of the Russians.

"We have countermeasures for any tactic. From our side, we can say that this is a set of tactics in general. And, accordingly, the command, the commanders use it most effectively. And this can be judged at least from the fact that, when advancing, we have significantly lower personnel losses compared to the enemy which holds active defense," he said.

Earlier, Shershen said that the Ukrainian troops had some success in Tavria direction – offensive operations were ongoing in Melitopol and Berdiansk directions.