Ukraine destroys group of Akhmat unit in Bakhmut sector, Russian troops refuse to go on offensive

Ilya Yevlash, the head of the press service of the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Group of Troops, said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"The enemy is trying to attack with small assault groups of up to 20 people to recapture the previously lost position, regain control of it for further advancement and gain footholds in the direction of Chasiv Yar. Currently, assault groups in the form of Akhmat units are actively operating there. Recently, one of the brigades holding the defense in this area destroyed one of these groups. First, the assault group moved forward, followed by a reinforcement group. The invaders were defeated by our artillery and eliminated by drones. The advance group was also detected. It was hit by fire, after which the units refused to continue their offensive," said Yevlash.

According to him, Chasiv Yar is now the largest town in this direction, which is the focus of Russia's attention. 

"For a year the enemy has not abandoned its intentions, constantly striking Chasiv Yar with powerful weapons. Now the Russians have engaged aviation, which is constantly dropping guided aerial bombs on the town, shelling it with mortars and artillery of all types and calibers," he said.

The situation in the Bakhmut sector is very complicated. The Russian army is already conducting combat actions within the settlements of Ivanivske and Bohdanivka, said Yevlash.

"The Russians continue to strengthen their reserves, deploying their Storm-Z and Storm V units, motorized rifle regiments, and tank regiments. In addition, the enemy is actively using artillery and aviation. The Russians launched 56 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops, there were 8 combat engagements, during which 131 occupiers and 79 pieces of weapons and military equipment were eliminated," he added.

• On February 29, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 99 combat clashes took place at the front over the past day. Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks in 7 directions and eliminated 1150 soldiers.