The occupiers are attempting to encircle Avdiivka: Maiar reported on the difficult situation

On the Avdiivka and Maryinka directions, Russian forces are attempting to advance in order to establish complete control over the populated area of Maryinka and encircle the populated area of Avdiivka.

This was reported by Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar.

"Our defenders do not allow the enemy to implement their plans, but it is very difficult. Hot battles continue. The situation there is tense and difficult," she said in her post.

The situation in other directions

Maliar noted that after the activation of Russian troops in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, the Ukrainian military was able to prevent the advance of the enemy and significantly reduced its offensive potential. 

"Currently, there is a certain decrease in the number of shellings and enemy munitions used in the eastern front. but this does not mean that the enemy has retreated from its plans. The enemy is currently regrouping and trying to restore lost capabilities. The battles are ongoing," she emphasized.

The situation in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions is difficult. The enemy is constantly attacking. Armed forces repel attacks, in particular:

- In the Kupyansk direction, the enemy is increasing the density of mine-explosive obstacles along the state border in the Belgorod region, searching for weak points in our defense.

- In the Lyman direction, the enemy continues assault operations aimed at displacing our forces in the area of the Serebryansky Forest in Donetsk region, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.

- In the Bakhmut direction, heavy battles are ongoing. The Russians are attempting to stop the advance of Ukrainian forces and reclaim lost positions in areas west of Klishchiivka, west of Andriivka, and Kurdyumivka.

"Over the past week, the liberated territory in the Bakhmut direction has been increased by 3 sq. km, and the total liberated area in the Bakhmut direction is 40 sq. km," Maliar informed.

South

In the south, the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue their offensive operation in the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions. The battles are ongoing, as mentioned by the official.

According to her, in the direction of Urozhaine, south and southeast of Staromayorske, Donetsk region, they had success and now are consolidating their positions at the achieved lines. During the offensive actions, the forces on the Tavria direction continue to liberate the settlement of Urozhaine.

Read also:

• Strikes with 'Kalibr' missiles and UAVs: all the details of the nighttime powerful attack by the Russia on Odesa (Photos)

• Blatant disregard for the rights of the Black Sea states": Ukraine appeals to the UN over Russian terror at sea

• Where Ukraine will be able to attack with ‘Taurus’ missiles - the expert's explanation

• Ukraine asks the US to extend the lend-lease law for 2024: why it is important