AFU repel three Russian attacks near Bakhmut, capture prisoners

Volodymyr Fitio, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command, said this on Ukrainian television when asked about the situation in Bakhmut, Ukrinform reports.

"In the past 24 hours, three enemy attacks were repelled [near Bakhmut] – these are Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and the enemy is trying to advance near Bohdanivka. The direction is obvious, it is Chasiv Yar – they want to build on their success and reach the administrative borders of Donetsk region. We know these plans, they have no success in this direction so far," he said.

He noted that in this area over the past day, Russia launched 23 kamikaze drones at Ukrainian defenders and fired 459 artillery and mortar rounds of various calibers.

"Nevertheless, we managed to reduce the population of Russians on Ukrainian soil by 131 people, and more prisoners were captured. We will be waiting for their interesting stories about what is happening there now. Also, 33 pieces of military equipment were destroyed, including two tanks and two tracked armored fighting vehicles,” said Fitio.

According to him, the entire line of the Khortytsia operational and strategic grouping of troops, its area of responsibility, remains active, as Russia has not given up its intentions to advance.

"Our warriors are in active defense. This makes it possible to switch to offensive operations, to conduct defense, and to improve our tactical position. And most importantly, we understand that we are fighting a strong, unprincipled enemy, and we not only do not overestimate him, but we also understand his weaknesses," Fitio said.

As reported, according to the Security Service of Ukraine, a militant who fought against Ukraine as part of the "Cossack" armed group since 2014 and was captured near Bakhmut was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Photo: General Staff, illustrative