Ukraine: "Fighting Intensifies in the East"

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar stated today, Sunday, that fighting in the eastern part of the country has "intensified somewhat" as clashes erupted between Ukrainian and Russian forces in at least three regions along the eastern front. Malyar said on Telegram, "Russian forces have been attacking towards Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region for two consecutive days." She added, "We are in a defensive position... there are fierce battles and the positions of both sides change several times a day." Malyar noted that both sides are engaging around the devastated city of Bakhmut but that Ukrainian forces are "gradually advancing" from the south. She mentioned that Kyiv's forces are also repelling Russian attacks near Avdiivka and Marinka. A spokesperson for the southern command of the army stated, "Ukrainian forces have advanced by more than a kilometer in one part of the southern front." Kyiv has made increasing gains in parts of the east and south since launching its counteroffensive.