Russian attacks have intensified in a variety of locations in eastern Ukraine including Kharkiv, Luhansk and Donetsk, according to Ukrainian and regional military officials.
Russian forces are likely to heavily shell areas of all three regions ahead of a planned ground attack.
Around Slobozhansky, an area south of Kharkiv, “the main focus of the Russian enemy is to regroup and strengthen troops”, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.
Russian forces aim to blockade Kharkiv city, continue to witness persistent shelling, and gathered up to 22 battalion-level combat groups around Izyum, the General Staff added. A battalion-level combat group typically consists of about 1,000 troops.
“The main efforts of the enemy are focused on maintaining previously occupied positions,” it said, noting the deployment of additional Russian units.
In Donetsk In the region, Russia’s efforts have focused on capturing the towns of Popasna and Rubizhne, and establishing full control over the strategic port city of Mariupol, it added.
The General Staff also spoke of the continuous firing of Ukrainian positions around Popasna, saying that Russian forces were “trying to improve the tactical situation, to advance deep into the settlement of Popasna,” but ultimately failed.
It reported increased shelling around Severodonetsk, “to damage, deplete our troops and possibly prepare for offensive operations,” as well as shelling farther to south in Toretsk.
One person was killed in Kreminna, just northwest of Severodonetsk, a local official said.
Serhii Haidai, head of the Luhansk regional government, said efforts were continuing to bring residents of the towns of Rubizhne and Kreminna to safety amid heavy fighting in the region. He added that there is no water or gas in Severodonetsk.
In the last day, 10 attacks by the Russian enemy were organized in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the General Staff added.
“The main events that we will talk about in the coming days, or rather weeks, will be events related to the fighting in the Donbas of Ukraine,” said Vadym Denysenko, an adviser at the Interior Ministry of Ukraine. , said Saturday.
Russian missile attacks have extended to areas other than Donbass RegionUkrainian officials said.
One person was killed in an attack on a village near the city of Poltava, said Dmytro Lunin, head of the Poltava military junta.
The country’s top general said he spoke with the top US military official on Friday.
Valery Zaluzhny said he discussed “the fierce fighting on the Kharkiv-Izyum border, stopping the Russian offensive in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, the critical situation around Mariupol, and the firing of rockets on across Ukraine,” with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley.
Zaluzhny added: “I reiterate the urgent need of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for weapons and ammunition to strengthen our defense capabilities.
News comes like Russia’s preparations continue in eastern Ukraine for an offensive operation.
