Bakhmut Encirclement: Ukrainian Army Defeats Russians Near Kleshchiivka

• 5.07.2023, 9:59

The Ukrainian army is advancing in three directions.

The Ukrainian military has made gains near the village of Kleshchiivka in the Bakhmut region and is continuing its offensive in three directions. Heavy fighting is taking place.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a report by the spokesman of the General Staff of the AFU, Andriy Kovalev, during a live broadcast from the Military Media Centre in a telethon."In the direction of Bakhmut, our troops continue to carry out offensive actions. To the north and south of Bakhmut, they continue to put pressure on the enemy, pushing them out of previously captured lines. In the area of Kleshchiivka, they have achieved partial success and are consolidating on the achieved lines," he said.

Enemy tactics

The spokesman said the enemy was putting up strong resistance, using reserves and suffering heavy losses.

"Heavy fighting continues. The Ukrainian defence forces continue to stop the Russian offensive in the direction of Lyman, Avdiivka and Mar'yinka," Kovalyov added.

Overall, he said, the Ukrainian defence forces were continuing an offensive operation in the Bakhmut, Melitopol and Berdyansk directions.

"They are consolidating on the lines they have reached. They are using artillery fire on identified enemy targets. They are carrying out counter-battery control operations," he added.

Situation near Bakhmut and in the direction of Bakhmut

The Institute for the Study of War reported that the AFU had advanced in three directions near Bakhmut and Avdiivka, Donetsk region, and had entrenched new positions near Bakhmut. General Oleksandr Syrsky said yesterday that the Ukrainian military would be able to liberate the temporarily occupied Bakhmut in Donetsk region in a counter-offensive.

A day earlier, Syrsky said the Ukrainian military had been able to advance towards Bakhmut. The occupiers' positions there have been destroyed.