Russia intensively attacking in Donetsk region and seeking weak spots in defense - General Staff

Archive photo: The Russian Federation is intensifying its attack in the Pokrovsk direction (Getty Images)

The highest number of clashes occurred in the Pokrovsk direction in the Donetsk region. The Russian forces are looking for weak spots in the Ukrainian defense, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Situation in the Pokrovsk direction

The department noted that in the Pokrovsk direction, the total number of clashes has increased to 24, eight of which are ongoing.

"The enemy is trying to find weak spots in our defense near Umanske and Sieverne," military officials explained.

At the same time, the adversary deployed eight armored combat vehicles near Oleksandropil, Kalynove, and Zhelanne.

Battles in the Kharkiv region

Military officials also reported that battles are ongoing in the Kharkiv direction near Starytsia and Vovchansk. The enemy has engaged aviation assets five more times: twice conducting attacks with helicopter weaponry near Hranove, and also dropping guided aerial bombs in the areas of Zhovtneve and Lyptsi. Since the beginning of the day, the total number of air strikes has already reached six.

In the Kupiansk direction, attempts by the occupiers to advance in the areas of Synkivka, Berestove, and Ivanivka continue. The situation is under control. Three attacks by Russian troops have already been repelled near Novoehorivka and the aforementioned Synkivka.

Battles in Donbas

In the Siversk direction, Defense Forces have been holding back enemy advances for quite some time today in the area of Bilohorivka. Our soldiers have also effectively halted the aggressors' activity near Vyimka and Rozdolivka.

In the Kramatorsk direction, a battle is ongoing in the area of the settlement of Novyi. Having failed in six attacks in this direction earlier today, the enemy has conducted five air strikes - three times dropping guided bombs in the area of Chasiv Yar, once targeting the settlement of New York in the Donetsk region, and also using Su-25 attack aircraft near Pivnichne.

In the Vremivka direction, near Staramaiorsk, four attacks by the aggressors have been repelled. Twice, the enemy accompanied their actions with air strikes.

Situation on the battlefield

Russian forces are actively attacking across the front line and gradually advancing, although these advances cannot be considered significant.

Many Western officials are concerned about Russia's ability to continue fighting. Today, the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, stated that the coming weeks and months will be crucial for Ukraine.