Russian forces have increased attacks in eastern Ukraine, focusing on regaining territory near the key cities of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, according to Ukrainian military officials. Ukrainian troops had previously recaptured heights over Bakhmut and made advances to the city’s west, north, and south during their summer counteroffensive. However, Russian forces have become more active in trying to recapture lost positions, with attacks being repelled, as reported by Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi on Telegram.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that over the previous day, Russian forces repelled five Ukrainian attacks near Klischiivka and Kurdyumivka, south of Bakhmut. Lt. Gen. Igor Konashenkov made the announcement at a press briefing. The Ukrainian General Staff highlighted that Russian troops were continuing their weeks-long effort to encircle Avdiivka, a key target south of Bakhmut and a gateway to parts of the eastern Donetsk region under Kyiv’s control. Russia’s air force played a significant role in the assault.
Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, leading Ukrainian troops in and near Avdiivka, reported an increase in airstrikes, particularly those using guided bombs. He stated on Telegram that Russian forces launched 30 airstrikes and 712 artillery barrages at the city and surrounding areas over the previous day, engaging with Ukrainian units almost 50 times.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency claimed responsibility for a blast in Melitopol, targeting Russian National Guard officers during a meeting. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence called it “an act of revenge” carried out by the local resistance movement. The explosion killed “at least three” Russian National Guard officers, according to the statement. Russian authorities did not immediately respond to the claims.
In Kherson, southern Ukraine, Russian shelling resulted in the death of a 64-year-old man, with his wife hospitalized due to injuries. The shelling targeted Kherson and the surrounding region, occurring 62 times over the previous 24 hours. The city has faced near-daily attacks since Ukraine recaptured it a year ago.