Defense forces repel Russian attacks at Kupiansk, Lyman, Svatove directions

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"The eastern front remains the epicenter of hostilities for the enemy. The strategic directions of his offensive are there. The enemy believes that by striking in the east, they will be able to turn the tide on the front. Therefore, the greatest efforts are being made in the east," Maliar said.

Maliar noted that yesterday and today Ukrainian troops repelled enemy attacks in the Kupyansk, Lyman, and Svatove directions. According to her, the number of enemy attacks has increased, and heavy fighting is taking place.

"The enemy's goal is to draw our forces away from the offensive and break through our defense in these areas," Deputy Defense Minister said.

In addition, according to the Deputy Defense Minister, the enemy is aiming to regain the territories lost last fall in the Kupiansk direction.

"It is a difficult and exhausting struggle, but our defenders do not allow the enemy to realize its plans," she said.

Maliar also said that the situation in the Bakhmut direction is also difficult. "On the southern flank, our troops are gradually moving forward through dense artillery fire and mines, but continue to advance. On the northern flank, the enemy is attacking - we are repelling the attacks. Here, the enemy also wants to regain lost ground," the Deputy Minister said.

According to her, the enemy is also attacking the Avdiivka and Marinka directions in the east. There are also fierce battles there, but the defenders do not allow the enemy to advance.

Maliar noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct offensive operations in the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions.

"The enemy is putting up fierce resistance. In addition to continuous mining, the enemy has set up protected concrete engineering fortifications on key dominant heights. In such difficult conditions, our troops are gradually but persistently moving forward," she said.

As Ukrinform reported, last week the Defense Forces liberated 2 square kilometers in the Bakhmut direction and more than 12 square kilometers in the south.

Photo credit: General Staff