Heavy fighting is taking place in Bakhmut, Donetsk Region. The situation in the town is critical, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar has said on Telegram.
"Still, our troops are holding the defence in the area of Litak. As of now, our defenders control certain industrial and infrastructure facilities in the area and the private sector [cottage neighbourhoods]," Malyar added.
According to British intelligence, the Russian authorities continue to consider the capture of Bakhmut a key immediate goal in the war against Ukraine.
According to Malyar, Russia has increased the presence of its troops in Bakhmut by several thousand people.
According to the spokesperson for the Eastern Group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Serhiy Cherevatyy, Russia is pulling airborne, motorised infantry, and some special forces to Bakhmut.