Ukraine's Defence Forces have withdrawn from the villages of Severne and Stepove in the Avdiyivka sector, but managed to drive Russians back from the outskirts of Berdychi, Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesman for the Tavriya Group, has told the news telethon.
"Our troops have withdrawn from the small villages of Severne and Stepove. They had up to 100 residents each before the war," he said.
The spokesman added that the fighting for Severne lasted from yesterday evening and into the night. "The enemy suffered heavy losses here."
Tavriya Group Commander Oleksandr Tarnavskyy earlier said that Ukrainian troops had "stabilised the defence line" in the areas of Tonenke, Orlivka and Berdychi.