Ukrainian Forces Engaged in Fierce Fighting in Donetsk Region

Russian Official Claims Ukrainian Fighters Attempting to Break Through Russian Positions

A Russian-appointed official in Russian-controlled parts of Zaporozhye says Ukrainian forces are trying to break through Russian positions in the western part of Donetsk region, where Ukrainian fighters continue to gain a foothold east of the town of Staromayorsk.

Fierce Fighting Unfolding South of Velika Novoselka

Official Volodymyr Rogov added that fierce fighting was unfolding south of the town of Velika Novoselka in the Donetsk region, at a time when Ukrainian forces were trying to break through Russian positions to advance to the coast of the Sea of ​​Azov.

Control of Orozhin and Staromlinovka

He also continued: “The enemy was able to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Oruzhin in two weeks, where there were the most fierce and bloody battles for control of this residential area,” referring to the same section of the front line.

He said Russian forces were still in control of the southern part of Orozhin, adding that it was clear that Ukrainian forces were seeking to take control of the town of Staromlinovka, further south.

Floating bridges destroyed

The representative of the Russian combat group “Vostok” Oleg Chekhov said that the Ukrainians tried to launch an offensive in the direction of Orozhin and Staromayorsk and suffered losses.

Chekhov also added in a video posted by the Russian Defense Ministry on the Telegram app that Russian artillery fire had destroyed pontoon bridges that Ukrainian forces were attempting to use to cross the Mokry Yala River west of Orozhin and destroyed other nearby targets, including a stronghold a few miles north at Makarovka.

Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive

Significantly, in June, Ukraine launched a counter-offensive in an attempt to retake large swaths of territory occupied by Russia in the south and east of the country.

Kyiv managed to regain several villages in the south of the country and some lands in the vicinity of the destroyed city of Bakhmut in the east, but it has not yet achieved significant success in the face of Russian troops.

Moscow says Ukrainian counterattack is failing.