Ukraine’s Defense Forces make Russians retreat from positions near Andriivka

The relevant statement was made by Spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Kovaliov during a nationwide telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Kovaliov, Ukraine’s Defense Forces continue the offensive operation in the Bakhmut, Berdiansk and Melitopol directions. Ukrainian warriors are gaining a foothold within the re-captured frontiers, attacking the detected enemy targets with artillery and conducting counterbatterry measures.

“In the direction of Staromaiorske, [the Ukrainian military] have succeeded and are gaining a foothold. The enemy continues to put up strong resistance, redeploys units and troops, uses reserves. In the Bakhmut direction, our forces continue conducting offensive actions to the north and south of the town of Bakhmut. Following the offensive and assault actions of the Defense Forces, the enemy was forced to retreat from positions near Andriivka,” Kovaliov told.

In his words, Ukrainian defenders continue holding back Russia’s onslaught in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions.

“The enemy conducted unsuccessful offensice actions to the northwest of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, to the south of Ivanivske and to the west of Klishchiivka. The enemy is putting up strong resistance, using reserves, suffering significant losses. Fierce battles are underway,” Kovaliov noted.

Over the past day, thirty-five combat engagements have occurred on the front.

On the night of July 25, 2023, Russia launched another attack on Ukraine’s territory with the Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 loitering munitions. Information about the consequences is yet to be updated.

Meanwhile, Russian troops have launched one missile and 72 air strikes, and opened fire with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) 50 times over the past day. Casualties among civilians were reported, as well as the damage caused to port infrastructure, grain storage facilities, residential houses and other civil infrastructure.