Ukrainian forces advancing north and south of Bakhmut - General Staff

This was announced by the spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Andriy Kovalev, who spoke on national television, Ukrinform reports.

"The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue their offensive operation on the Bakhmut, Melitopol, and Berdiansk axes," the official said.

The spokesperson also noted that Ukrainian soldiers are getting entrenched in new positions while artillery is inflicting fire damage on identified enemy targets, as well as engaging in counter-battery combat.

"In the Staromaiorske district, small success has been fixated on regained positions," Kovalev emphasized.

At the same time, the enemy continues to resist, moving in units and actively employing reserves.

"In the direction of Bakhmut, our troops continue to conduct offensive operations north and south of town," the spokesman added.

At the same time, according to Kovalev, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are restraining the advance of Russian troops in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, where the troops of the aggressor state are also putting up strong resistance, pulling up reserves and suffering significant losses as heavy battles are ongoing.

"In general, 28 combat clashes took place during the past day," Kovalev concluded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, over the past 24 hours, the Air Force of Ukraine conducted 11 strikes on the enemy manpower and equipment clusters and two – on the Russian anti-aircraft missile systems.