Russian troops advance in Toretsk, reinforce defence near Chasiv Yar - Ukrainian military

This was reported by Anastasia Bobovnikova, spokesperson for the Luhansk troops grouping, during a telethon.

She stressed that the situation in the Donetsk region remains tense, but the most difficult is near Toretsk and New York.

In addition, Russian troops continue to try to break through the defences near Chasiv Yar.

"Despite the reduction in the number of attacks, the enemy is bringing new troops to the frontline. We think this is the ‘calm before the storm’ and they will intensify their assault operations in this area," Bobovnikova said.

• Earlier, the head of the Toretsk Regional Military Administration, Vasyl Chynchyk, said that the Russians are trying to capture Toretsk as soon as possible, with about 40-50% of its territory still under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.