In Luhansk region, enemy focuses on storming Orikhove

Having captured Novotoshkivske, the Russians focused their efforts on storming Orikhove. Intense firefights are underway in the area.

This was announced on Telegram by the head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Haidai, Ukrinform reports.

"After the occupation of Novotoshkivske, the Russians focused their efforts on storming Orikhove. There are very intense firefights ongoing in urban settings – street after street. The enemy also stormed Zolote-4, the village of Volnyi. Assault groups, who came out under cover of artillery and tanks, were repulsed. Enemy warplanes attempted to carry out strikes on Katerynivka and Nyzhnie. Meanwhile, 70% of the village of Zolote-3 has been destroyed by the Russians," the statement reads.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the aggressors pursue their assault operations in the direction of Novotoshkivske - Orikhove in the direction of Popasna. They are blocking Ukrainian forces and means within certain areas to prevent maneuvers.

Nine enemy attacks have been repulsed in Luhansk and Donetsk regions over the past 24 hours. Eight main battle tanks, an artillery system, 24 armored combat vehicles, a special equipment unit, and five other military vehicles (including two tanker trucks) have been destroyed over the past day.

Ukraine’s Air Force shot down another two Russian Su-25 (Frogfoot) fighter jets and four Orlan-10 drones.

On February 24, the Russian Federation launched a new phase of its war against Ukraine – a full-scale invasion. Russian invaders have been shelling and bombing peaceful towns and villages, torturing and killing civilians.