Ukrainian forces hit 2 Russian air defense systems, destroy 6 enemy UAVs — General Staff

This is reported by the AFU General Staff. 

During the day, the occupying Russian forces launched seven missile strikes. In addition, the enemy conducted 39 air strikes and fired more than 61 times from multiple launch rocket systems in other locations. The probability of other attacks remains high. 

The Russian army is focusing on offensive actions in the Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka directions. Ukrainian Defense Forces units repelled 54 enemy attacks in these areas over the last day. The most fierce fighting continues for Bakhmut and Marinka.

The situation in the regions bordering Belarus remained unchanged. There are no signs of enemy offensive groups forming.

In the northern direction, the Russian enemy fired artillery and mortar shells at border villages: 9 settlements in Chernihiv region; 9 settlements in Sumy region; and 4 settlements in Kharkiv region came under attacks.

The situation in other areas is the following:

In the Kupiansk direction, Russians are fortifying positions in separate areas; seven settlements were under enemy artillery and mortar fire.

In the Lyman direction, the enemy did not launch any offensives. Six localities in the Donetsk region came under artillery fire.

In the Bakhmut direction, the Russian forces continue their offensive. Heavy fighting for the city of Bakhmut is ongoing. In addition, the enemy had unsuccessful offensives in the direction of Orikhovo-Vasylivka and Ivanivske. Fourteen other settlements in the Donetsk region were under enemy shelling.

In the Avdiivka direction, the invading Russian troops attacked near Severne and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region, but their assault was unsuccessful. Russian forces shelled 8 towns and villages in the Donetsk region.

In the Marinka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled numerous enemy attacks. At least 5 localities in the Donetsk region came under enemy fire.

In the Vuhledar direction, the enemy did not launch any offensive actions over the past day. They shelled Vuhledar and 4 other localities in the Donetsk region.

In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions the Russian forces are defending. However, the Russian army fired at more than 30 localities. 

"Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian aviation has carried out 11 strikes on Russian positions. Six UAVs have been destroyed. Missile and artillery units have hit two air defense systems and two other crucial enemy objects," the message said.