The Ukrainian Defense Forces pursue their offensive operation in the Bakhmut and Melitopol directions.

This was announced by the spokesman for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Andriy Kovalev, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, reports Ukrinform.

"Ukraine’s Defense Forces are running an offensive operation in the Bakhmut and Melitopol directions," he said.

According to the spokesman, the Ukrainian troops saw success in the direction of Robotyne, entrenching themselves on the gained positions, inflicting artillery fire on the designated enemy targets and engaging in counter-battery combat.

At the same time, Kovalev reported that in the direction of Bakhmut, the Defense Forces continue to conduct offensive operations south of the town.

"The enemy undertook unsuccessful offensive efforts in the districts of Avdiivka, Marinka, and Novomykhailivka, Donetsk region. The enemy is suffering significant losses in manpower, weapons, and equipment, maneuvering units and troops, and actively employing reserves," he emphasized.

The spokesman for the General Staff says the Defense Forces continue to restrain the advance of Russian troops in the Kupiansk, Lyman, and Bakhmut areas.

"The enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the district of Klishchiivka, Donetsk region. Heavy fighting is ongoing here," Kovalev informed.

In addition, he noted that 30 combat clashes have taken place throughout the day. The enemy launched two missile and 43 air strikes, as well as 45 attacks involving MLR systems, on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas.

"Unfortunately, as a result of Russian terrorist attacks, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure sustained destruction," concluded the spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russian military death toll in Ukraine had reached 258,340.