The Russian offensive in the Kupyansk sector is currently unsuccessful. The fighting continues, but the initiative is on our side., Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar has said on Facebook.
Ukrainian troops have continued advancing on the southern flank around Bakhmut today, as in previous days. Fighting continued on the northern flank today. The Russians are trying to regain lost ground. Ukrainian soldiers have to deal with mines and intense enemy fire.
The commander of the Ground Forces and the Khortytsya Operational and Strategic Group of Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyy, said that the situation in the eastern sector is difficult but under control. Russia is moving reserves to the Bakhmut sector in an attempt to stop the Ukrainian army's advance.
According to the General Staff, Russia continues to focus its main efforts on the Kupyansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka and Maryinka sectors, where heavy fighting continues. There have been 18 combat engagements on 18 July.