The Ukrainian army confirmed that "intense fighting has erupted in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country," stating that "its forces have repelled dozens of Russian attacks there." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that "the initial phases of the counteroffensive in these two areas are proceeding as planned," hoping that "the progress will be faster in these regions, which are the main theater of his campaign to reclaim territories seized by Russia."
Moscow also acknowledged the clashes, stating that its army was able to defend areas near the city of Bakhmut, while Ukraine claims that its forces are reclaiming land.
Ukrainian General Staff spokesman Andriy Kovaliov pointed out that "Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian advance supported by artillery shelling near two towns north of Bakhmut, which had been seized by Russian mercenary forces in late May.”
Ukraine has regained a number of villages in the south, aiming to cut the Russian land bridge connecting eastern Ukraine to the Crimean peninsula.
Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi confirmed that "fighting is fierce throughout the sector, with forces repelling 27 Russian attacks. The Russian losses over 24 hours were estimated to be several hundred dead and wounded."