Russian troops continue to intensify their offensive in the area of ​​Bakhmut, and Ukrainian forces are trying to repel ongoing attacks near this key city in the east of the country and in the surrounding areas of Donetsk region, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported late on Thursday. – evening update, CNN reports.

“They are attacking the city of Bakhmut,” the General Staff said, repeating a previous update that predicted a Russian presence in the city, not just on the outskirts.

Earlier on Thursday, CNN reported that an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also said Russian forces had “advanced into Bakhmut and continued ground attacks around the town.”

Over the past day, Russian troops launched rocket attacks on the towns of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, five kilometers west of Bakhmut, and Zaporizhzhia, the General Staff reported.

“The threat of new missile attacks remains high throughout the territory of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian military said.

There were unsuccessful attempts of a Russian offensive in the direction of Kupyansk and Lyman, he added.

According to him, in the Zaporozhye and Kherson areas, Russian troops continue to “create conditions for an offensive” and have shelled more than 40 settlements.

Over the past 24 hours, Ukraine has also carried out 13 strikes in areas where Russian military personnel and equipment are located, the General Staff reported, adding that missile and artillery units hit Russian ammunition depots.

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