Ukrainian forces have launched an offensive in the Bakhmut sector, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar has said.
"The east remains the epicentre of hostilities. In the Bakhmut sector, our troops have moved from defence to offence. Over the past 24 hours, we have advanced in different parts of the Bakhmut sector from 200 to 1,100 metres," she explained.
Russian troops are on the defensive, trying to hold their positions and pulling up reserves from the rear.
The Wagnerites remain in some places in the rear units. As of now, the regular army of the Russian Federation is conducting combat operations, using air assault units.
Malyar noted that it has been possible to hold the defence of the Bakhmut sector for so long and to advance on it now, among other things, thanks to the fortifications prepared in advance. "The entire area around is actually a fortified area. The fortifications were prepared in advance by our troops and local military administrations. It was built thoroughly," she claimed.
Earlier today, the Commander of the Ground Forces, Col-Gen Oleksandr Syrskyy, said that Russian troops losing ground near Bakhmut. Ukrainian forces continue to move forward on the flanks.