Defense Ministry explains why enemy activates in Kupiansk direction

The relevant statement was made by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliar, Ukrinform reports citing ArmyInform.

"Now the enemy has become more active in the Kupiansk direction, this is in response to our offensive in the Bakhmut direction. They have used this tactic before. For example, in the east, since the beginning of this year, they have been trying to advance in four main directions: Mariinka, Avdiivka, Liman and Bakhmut. But the enemy regularly intensified its actions in other areas as well: Shakhtarsk and Kupiansk. This is done to stretch our forces so that we cannot concentrate on the area where we are conducting the offensive. But we are responding quickly to changes in the operational situation," Maliar said.

At the same time, the Deputy Defense Minister added that the situation in the south is stable. We are gradually but surely moving forward.

As Ukrinform reported, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their offensive at the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions and have the advantage in the battles for Staromaiorske (Donetsk region).