Russians failing to launch offensive in Donetsk Oblast, says Luhansk regional governor
"The occupiers are trying to create favorable conditions for an attack on Donetsk Oblast,” he noted.
“They carried out offensive and assault actions to improve their tactical position, but without success. Four enemy attacks ended with them retreating to their former positions.”
Hayday also said that the Russian military is using all their weapons to dislodge the Defense Forces units from their occupied positions.
"They are shelling populated areas and the fortifications of our military, trying to get closer to Bakhmut,” the official said.
Bakhmut is a key city in Donetsk Oblast, lying on the junction of major roads to two other main Ukrainian-held cities in the oblast – Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
“Enemy aircraft operate several times a day in these areas,” Hayday added. “Yesterday they carried out four airstrikes. Three other times the Russians carried out artillery attacks, and used rocket artillery, and twice the assaults were supported by tank attacks. They fired mortars another six times.”
Read also: Russia having trouble containing Ukrainian advances in some areas, military expert says
Russian troops have been trying to reach the administrative borders of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts for more than a month. Although the Russians claim to be in control of the whole of Luhansk Oblast, the Ukrainian army still maintains defensive positions in two settlements in the oblast.
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
