Enemy trying to break through Ukrainian defenses in Kupiansk sector - Syrskyi

That's according to Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was quoted by the Military Media Center, Ukrinform reports.

"Due to the complication of the situation in the Kupiansk direction, I spent most of the day working in the units that defend the approaches to the city. The enemy's assault detachments, mainly made up of prisoners, are trying to break through the defenses of our troops in various directions, with the aim of blocking, and later capturing, Kupiansk. Based on the results of work with the commanders in this area, a number of important decisions were made that will ensure the reliability of the defense," Syrskyi said.

According to him, in the Lyman sector, the enemy is regrouping, replacing units that have lost their combat capability, and is not abandoning plans for new offensive operations.

"Our task is to take maximum advantage of this situation and significantly improve our position. The commanders and I worked out the necessary decisions directly in the area of hostilities," the commander said.

According to Syrskyi, the situation in the Bakhmut sector is difficult, but under control. The enemy launches counterattacks, mining the area, intensively firing and using aircraft.

"At the same time, in such difficult conditions, our troops are gradually moving forward. Together with the commanders of the brigades fighting in the Bakhmut direction, we discussed the urgent issues of increasing the effectiveness of offensive actions, inflicting fire damage on the enemy and taking a number of other measures aimed at achieving victory over the enemy," he said.