 Ukrainian forces advancing north and south of Bakhmut. In the direction of Bakhmut, Ukrainian troops continue to conduct offensive actions north and south of the town. This was announced by the spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Andrey Kovalev. The Defence Forces of Ukraine are on an offensive operation on the Bakhmut, Militopol and Burdiansk axes, the official said. The spokesperson also noted that Ukrainian soldiers are getting entrenched in new positions while artillery is inflicting fire damage on identified enemy targets as well as engaging in counter-battery combat. In the Stara-Mayorsk district, small success has been fixated on regained positions. Kovalev emphasised. At the same time, the enemy continues to resist, moving in units and actively employing reserves. In the direction of Bakhmut, our troops continue to conduct offensive operations north and south of town, the spokesman added. At the same time, according to Kovalev, Ukraine's Defence Forces are restraining the advance of Russian troops in the Kupyansk and Lyman directions where the troops of the aggressor state are also putting up strong resistance, pulling up reserves and suffering significant losses as heavy battles are ongoing.