The operational situation in the eastern sector remains difficult, Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyy said after a visit to the frontline on Monday, 17 July, Military Media Centre reports.
"In order to stop the offensive of our troops in the area of Bakhmut, the enemy is actively redeploying additional forces and means to this area, the core of which is formed by airborne troops. At the same time, the enemy launched an offensive in the Kupyansk sector, aiming to defeat our troops in the Kupyansk area and continue the offensive deep into our combat formations," said Syrskyy.
He noted that during the trip he met servicemen in each of the combat brigades operating in the eastern sector.
"We worked separately with the commanders and made all the necessary decisions to stabilise the situation in the Lyman sector. All the commanders understand the importance of the tasks set to destroy the enemy, continue offensive actions and keep the operational initiative on our side," he said.
On 16 July, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said that the situation on the eastern front had escalated.