Evgeny Poddubny. Photo: A still from the video.
Russian war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny reported on his Telegram channel that Ukraine has begun an operation to encircle Russian forces in the direction of Artemivsk.
“The enemy plans to attack the flanks to reach the rear of our forces stationed in Artemivsk and surroundings,” noted the military commissar.
He added that according to his colleague, war correspondent Alexander Simonov, the armed forces of Ukraine broke through towards Berkhovets and Yagodnoe. Ukrainian troops achieved another local success in the Kleshcheevka region.
In addition, several units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, supported by armored groups, each with 2-3 tanks, managed to organize a breakthrough in the Soledar region, according to the Russian military commander .< /p>
“Now the fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are trying to gain a foothold in their positions. The situation is difficult,” Poddubny added, stressing that in the next 24 hours the Armed Forces of Ukraine could increase their efforts in the south, in the area Orechovo to tie up Russian troops in battles and try to break through the first line of defense.
“We will assume that the enemy's counteroffensive has begun,” Poddubny summarized.