Russian troops managed to break through Ukrainian defenses near the eastern city of Kreminna on Tuesday, but were pushed back and lost some heavy equipment, a senior Ukrainian official said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

This was stated by the governor of Luhansk region, Serhii Gaidai, in an interview with Ukrainian television. In earlier comments, he said the attack had been repulsed, but failed to mention that pro-Moscow forces had broken through Ukrainian positions.

Russia, which seeks to gain full control over the two eastern provinces that make up Ukraine’s industrial Donbas, has repeatedly launched attacks. Kreminna is about 70 north of Bakhmut, the center of Russia’s most violent attacks.

“Yesterday, they even passed through our defenses for a certain time, but the Ukrainian army destroyed part of the heavy equipment of the invaders… in the end, we held our positions,” he said.

Gaidai said he expects Russian forces to increase their efforts around Kreminnaya, citing increased bombing and reconnaissance missions.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the most active part of the offense, but it’s definitely ongoing,” he said.

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