During several days, the Ukrainian military liberated about 20 square kilometers from the enemy in the north and south of the suburbs of Bakhmut. At the same time, the occupiers are making some progress in Bakhmut, destroying the city with artillery, said Hanna Malyar, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

The forces of the Russian Federation are currently raising units of professional paratroopers.

«Information about the course of hostilities should be considered in the complex of all measures of the defense operation and not taken out of the context of the events. Heavy battles continue with different results. In the present situation, our troops are doing their best and even more,» Hanna Malyar says.

She reminded the Russian occupation forces have an advantage in the numbers of people and weapons. At the same time, thanks to the actions of the Ukrainian military, Russia has not been able to implement its plans in the Bakhmut area since last summer.

«The fact that the defense of Bakhmut has lasted for so many months and that there is progress in certain areas is the result of the extraordinary efforts of our soldiers and the high level of professionalism of the defense command,» added Malyar.

As a reminder, the enemy continues to focus its primary efforts on the Liman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Maryinka sectors. Within the last day, 44 combat engagements occurred in the mentioned frontline areas. Bakhmut and Maryinka remain in the epicenter of hostilities.

Translated by Yulian Lahun

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