Russia tries to form cauldron for AFU in Donetsk region - Ukrainian Colonel Selezniov

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"The enemy's activation in the direction of Shumy and towards New York is a rather threatening trend. Even if the enemy is advancing by 100-300 metres per day, it is obvious that in this way they are trying to form ticks to create a cauldron for Ukrainian defenders operating in this area of the frontline. However, the Ukrainian General Staff clearly sees all the possibilities of the enemy army's actions and takes appropriate countermeasures. Because the enemy's flanks are always quite weak," Selezniov said.

According to the military expert, the Russian forces lack resources.   

"The enemy, who has no results, may not have time to reflect on the appropriate countermeasures of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The situation is dynamic and difficult. Obviously, the General Staff of Ukraine will respond to the risks posed to Ukrainian defenders, who are de facto surrounded by three sides. It is difficult to predict what decisions will be made. I believe that we need to hold the defined lines and positions until it becomes critically dangerous for our defenders. We should continue to conduct maneuver defense, because the key mission of the Ukrainian army is the systematic destruction of enemy manpower, armored vehicles and weapons," said Selezniov. 

• Since the beginning of the day on July 15, 119 combat engagements took place in the frontline. Russian forces continue to exert the greatest pressure in the Pokrovsk sector, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled 31 attacks.
• An agent of the Atesh guerrilla movement said that in the Toretsk sector of Donetsk region, Russians suffered huge losses of equipment and personnel.