 Armed forces of Ukraine have already liberated 44 square kilometers in Bakhmut direction. The Ukrainian troops have already liberated 44 square kilometers in the south of Bakhmut direction. In Bakhmut direction, there are gradual but confident advances every week. This is what annoys the enemy the most. But commanding heights, which are taken, go along the southern and northern flanks which looks like a semi-encirclement on the map of Bakhmut. The enemy attacks the northern flank, wants to recapture the positions we have taken there. The struggle continues precisely for this. There is progress in the southern direction. Last week, another square kilometer was liberated. Altogether, 44 square kilometers have been already liberated, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hannah Malier said. As noted, Klishchivka was the epicenter of military operations. At the same time, the enemy offers resistance in Oryakovo-Vasylivka, but Ukrainian troops advance. The Russians also carried out ineffective offensive operations near Marienka, Abdiivka, Stepov, Novomykalivka, Volodarin-Denetsk regions.