Intensity of Russian attacks and assaults increases in Donetsk region - spokesman of Khortytsia troop grouping

Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshyn, spokesman for the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops, said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"The intensity of the enemy's shelling and assault actions has increased. As of the morning of May 19, the enemy made 3,700 attacks on the territory  where of the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops operates. This shows that the enemy does not give up and continues to storm and shell our positions and civilian infrastructure. The enemy does not stop shelling with various types of weapons and equipment," he said.

Most Russian attacks took place in the Pokrovsk sector. Since the beginning of the day, Russian troops have conducted 12 assault operations, Voloshyn said.

"There were 25 attacks on our positions over the last day. The enemy is trying to increase fire control efforts in certain areas, launching air strikes and using guided aerial bombs. In the direction of Netaylove and Yasnobrodivka, the enemy was stepping up its efforts to engage in fire and assault operations. Southwest of Ocheretyne, the situation is changing dynamically. In some areas, due to intense fire, the enemy had limited tactical success. In other areas, our units are regaining lost ground. The defense forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation. 

The enemy's losses in the Pokrovsk sector, namely 45 servicemen and 5 armored combat vehicles, were also confirmed, said the spokesman for the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops.

"Over the last day, the invaders lost a total of 350 people in killed and wounded, as well as 20 pieces of military equipment. This suggests that the enemy does not stop trying there either. However, the Defense Forces of Ukraine are doing everything possible to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into our territory and to make certain advances," he added.

• As of the evening of May 20, the Russian forces were most active in the Pokrovsk sector, with 16 attacks recorded there and 8 ongoing.