"The enemy is attempting to seize the initiative in the Kupiansk direction and break through the defense of Ukrainian forces. The situation, while complex, is under control," stated Deputy Commander of the Eastern Group of Troops for Strategic Communications, Sergiy Cherevatyy.
"The Kupiansk direction is one of those where the enemy is trying to seize the initiative, acting aggressively to break through our defense. However, through all the measures taken, including the actions of the Commander of the Ground Forces in this zone, orders have been given, defenses strengthened, and decisive measures taken. Therefore, while the situation is complex, it is under control. We are aware of the enemy's units, commanders, and intentions, and we are acting to thwart their plans," Cherevatyy said during a national telethon broadcast on Thursday morning.
According to his information, the Russians launched 559 artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Lymansko-Kupiansk direction within a day. There were 16 enemy air raids and four attempts to attack the positions of Ukrainian forces.
"During the repulsion of attacks, 35 occupiers were eliminated, and 110 were wounded. Three tanks, a D-20 howitzer, an 'Orlan-10' UAV, seven vehicles, three field depots with ammunition, and three enemy bunkers were destroyed," Cherevatyy reported.
The Deputy Commander of the Eastern Group of Troops mentioned that in the Bakhmut direction, the enemy attacked Ukrainian defense positions 580 times within a day.
"There were five combat clashes and three enemy air raids. During the battles, 56 occupiers were eliminated in the Bakhmut direction, 104 occupiers were wounded, and five were captured," Cherevatyy informed.
He also reported the destruction of three enemy T-72 tanks, an armored vehicle, three BMPs, a combat landing vehicle, a D-30 howitzer, three field depots with ammunition, a UAV, and two 'Lancet' kamikaze drones.