The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that Ukrainian forces had unsuccessfully attempted to launch an offensive on the southern Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Donetsk fronts over the past twenty-four hours, Reuters reported.

The Russian military also claims that Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses in men and equipment.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the overnight strikes also targeted Ukrainian weapons depots and reserve forces and foreign mercenaries.

Reuters says it cannot independently verify Russia’s claims.

Ukraine said on Wednesday that there was “extremely fierce” fighting on the front as Kyiv’s forces made “minor” progress in a counteroffensive against Russian troops.

Russian tactical air activity has intensified over the past two weeks, particularly over southern Ukraine, British military intelligence said in an assessment on Wednesday.

This, of course, was a reaction to the increase in Ukrainian offensive actions, as the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are trying to support ground troops with airstrikes, according to the British military.

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