Russian forces step up firepower in eastern Ukraine, shelling up by 30%

Captain Hryhorii Shapoval, Spokesperson for the East Group of Troops, reported this in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform.

“If we compare it with the previous ten-day period, the enemy has increased the number of fire strikes by roughly 25–30%,” said the spokesperson.

Shapoval added that the situation in the eastern direction remains difficult but under control by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

Over the past day alone, Russian losses in the area of responsibility of the East Group of Troops amounted to 603 personnel, including 368 killed, 218 wounded, and 17 taken prisoner.

In addition, Ukrainian forces destroyed one and damaged two enemy tanks, eight armored vehicles, 12 pieces of special equipment, seven electronic warfare systems, and between 200 and 490 drones.

Ukrainian missile and artillery units carried out 1,285 fire missions, while Air Force units conducted 63 strikes, including dropping 136 guided aerial bombs.

As reported earlier, over the past 24 hours there were 149 combat engagements between Ukrainian Forces and Russian troops, with the heaviest fighting in Pokrovsk and Oleksandrohrad sectors.