Ukraine regains full control of Klishchiivka, Russian troops attempt to retake it

This was reported by representatives of the Lut joint assault brigade of the National Police.

"We, the soldiers of the 80th separate airborne assault brigade, the 5th separate assault brigade, and the Lut joint assault brigade of the National Police of Ukraine, have completed the task and liberated the village of Klishchiivka, Donetsk region, from Russian occupiers. However, the enemy continues to try to recapture the settlement, using all possible means of fire. But we are standing strong, firm and confident, because this is our land," the brigade said.

The liberation of the settlement was confirmed by the commander of the Ukrainian Army, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

"Bakhmut direction. Klishchiivka has been cleared of Russians and liberated by the forces of the 80th separate airborne assault brigade, the 5th separate assault brigade, the Lut Joint Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine," he wrote.

The liberation of Klishchiivka was confirmed by the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak.

Earlier, the press service of Lut told Suspilne about active hostilities in Klishchiivka.

"Active assault operations are underway in Klishchiivka, and we cannot confirm one hundred percent control over the settlement as of now," the statement said at 16:17.

In his turn, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak posted a photo of the Lut and Mahura brigades on his Telegram with the caption "Ukraine always gets its own back." The photo (see above) was taken against the backdrop of a stone church built in 1841, which is a symbol of Klishchiivka.

• Oleksandr Borodin, a spokesman for the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, believes that after the liberation of the settlements around Bakhmut, Russian troops will be forced to retreat from the city itself, as there will be no point in holding it if its flanks fall.