Ukrainian forces advance more than a kilometer in Bakhmut sector in past day - Maliar

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

"The enemy in the Bakhmut direction went on the defensive, trying to hold the occupied positions. Currently, the enemy is transferring its reserves for protection to this direction from the depth," said Maliar.

According to her, Wagner mercenaries remain in some places in the rear units. As of now, the regular army of the Russian Federation is conducting combat operations, and the airborne assault units are involved.

The deputy minister noted that it is now possible to hold the defense in the Bakhmut sector for so long and advance there, in particular, thanks to the fortifications prepared in advance.

"The entire surrounding area is actually a fortified area. Fortifications were prepared in advance by the forces of our troops and local military administrations," she added.

According to Maliar, Ukraine’s east remains the epicenter of hostilities.

As reported by Ukrinform, the enemy is losing positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, according to Commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi.