Ukrainian defense forces knock Russian troops out of positions near Andriivka, south of Bakhmut

The spokesman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Kovaliov reported this. 

He noted that Ukrainian troops are conducting offensive operations north and south of Bakhmut. During the offensive and assault operations, the Defense Forces forced the occupiers to withdraw from their positions near Andriivka. 

In turn, the Russians tried to advance in the areas northwest of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, south of Ivanivske, and west of Klishchiyivka. Their actions were in vain. 

In addition, Ukrainian defenders have been successful in the direction of Staromayorske in the Donetsk region, and are now consolidating their positions. This is happening against the enemy's strong resistance, movement of units, and use of reserves.

"The Ukrainian defense forces keep conducting offensive operations in the Bakhmut, Melitopol, and Berdiansk sectors, consolidating their positions and inflicting artillery fire, as well as carrying out counter-battery measures," the spokesman added. 

Kovaliov said that the Ukrainian army also continues to hold back the Russian offensive at the Kupyansk and Lyman directions.

• Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Malliar said that as of July 24, over 192 km² of Ukrainian territory had been liberated in the south since the beginning of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive, and 35 km² in the Bakhmut sector.