Ukraine reports heavier clashes on south front
Fighting has intensified across several sectors of the front on the south, where the Russian troops are attempting to consolidate on positions in Zaporizhzhia Oblast vacated by Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian defence forces have mounted counter-attacks, pushing Russian troops and denying them any further ground.
Source: Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Defence Forces of Ukraine's South, during the national joint 24/7 newscast, as reported by Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news agency
Quote: "In the south, the situation is not very calm and, let us say, it is intensifying on some sections of the front line. Over the past day we have recorded six clashes.
There have been 11 clashes on the Orikhiv front, 12 on the Huliaipole front, 12 on the Oleksandrivka front and 1 clash on the Kherson front.
The enemy maintains its assault in the direction of Huliaipole, tries to force the defence forces from our positions and executes large-scale combined strikes, but secures no progress."
Details: Voloshyn said that the Russians destroyed several Ukrainian positions but were unable to take and hold them or introduce consolidation forces.
He added that the Russian troops increased the use of loitering munitions and the number of artillery strikes.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where the defence forces have withdrawn from several settlements to reposition to more advantageous lines, the Russians are trying to move in consolidation groups and fortify, but Ukrainian forces hold them off.
Voloshyn reported that over the past day, Ukrainian forces have killed about 300 occupiers: "So the fighting remains quite fierce."
He added that efforts to halt the Russian advance continue, along with search-and-strike operations to stop infiltration deep inside Ukrainian defences.
Commenting on the situation near Huliaipole, Voloshyn said that the Russian troops did attempt to reach Yablukove, but the defence forces stopped them and now block any further movement.
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