Ukraine says situation on front line with Russia has ‘escalated’

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Kyiv claimed on Sunday that the situation on the front line with Russia in the eastern part of the country has “escalated,” with Ukrainian forces being on the defensive in the direction of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region.

“The enemy has been actively advancing in the Kupiansk direction in the Kharkiv region for two days in a row. We are on the defensive. There are fierce battles, and the positions of the parties change dynamically several times a day,” Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said in a statement on Telegram.

Maliar claimed that Ukrainian forces are gradually moving forward in the direction of Bakhmut, adding that there are daily advances in the southern flank of the city while they are trying to hold positions under Ukrainian control on the northern flank against Russian offensives.

“The enemy continues offensive actions in the Avdiivka and Marinka areas. Our defenders continue to contain them effectively. Fierce battles continue with no change in positions,” Maliar also claimed.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said it repelled 15 Ukrainian offensives in the direction of Donetsk, while also claiming that attacks were conducted against Ukrainian forces in the direction of Kupiansk.

Independent verification of claims by both Russia and Ukraine is difficult due to the ongoing war.