Russian forces build up fortifications in southern Ukraine

This is reported by the Operational Command South.  

"In the area of responsibility of the Southern Defence Forces, Russia is increasing the fortification of positions and continues to try to bring reserves there," the statement said.

According to the command, no offensive groups have been formed in the south so far. At the same time, the Russian forces have intensified the use of drones of various modifications and increased the number of artillery attacks. 

"The Defence Forces continue to hold positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River, continue counter-battery combat, and inflict fire on enemy positions and rear areas," the statement says.

• In addition, the Russian troops began to massively expand defensive structures at the entrance to the temporarily occupied Mariupol in the Donetsk region.