He said this on the air of the Espreso TV channel.
"There are intense battles that don't stop for more than an hour. Although Russia is pressing and trying to throw all the forces and reserves she has left, the Ukrainian defense stands firmly," Illenko stressed.
According to him, the invaders are trying to move in the Bakhmut direction, but they are unsuccessful.
"The fighting continues in the style of the first World War. This is a tough fight that lasts for several days in one position. Russia has no significant progress in this direction," Illenko said.