Ukrainian forces hold firm amidst intense Russian offensive at Toretsk

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine provided an update on the frontline situation as of 10:00 PM on July 8, reporting a total of 108 combat clashes over Monday.

Russian forces launched three missile strikes using 44 missiles, targeting Ukrainian territory, including civilian medical facilities such as a children’s hospital in Kyiv. Additionally, the enemy conducted 50 airstrikes, dropping 67 guided bombs. Russian forces also deployed 447 kamikaze drones and carried out 3,130 artillery strikes on Ukrainian military positions and civilian settlements.

At Kharkiv, Russian terrorists launched seven assaults on Ukrainian positions near Sotnytskyi Kozachok, Vovchansk, Tykhe, Starytsia, and Hlyboke, but all attempts were repelled.

According to reports, Russian forces suffered at least 160 casualties, including both killed and wounded, and lost 55 units of weaponry and military equipment, including the destruction of a tank, five artillery systems, and four armored fighting vehicles.

Fighting at Kupyansk saw Ukrainian forces successfully repel four out of five attacks near Stelmakhivka and Berestove, with one battle still ongoing near Petropavlivka.

In the Lyman area, Russian troops attempted 12 assaults, with 11 repelled in areas around Hrekivka, Nevske, Makiivka, and Terny. One battle is still ongoing.

At Siversk, Ukrainian forces repelled five attacks near Verkhnokamianske, forcing Russian troops to pull back after they suffered losses.

At Kramatorsk, seven Russian attempts to advance near Chasiv Yar, Hryhorivka, Andriivka, and Bila Hora ended in failure.

Toretsk has dealt with the most intene fighting, and he situation remains “tense” with 16 Russian assaults reported near Diliivka, Toretsk, Pivnichne, and New York being halted.

The Pokrovsk direction saw intense enemy activity, with 38 assaults and offensive actions throughout the day, including the areas around Novooleksandrivka, Vozdvyzhenka, and Novoselivka Persha. Currently, 10 combat engagements are still underway.

Rough estimates suggest 294 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in this area, with equipment losses still being assessed.

At Kurakhovo, seven combat engagements were reported as Russian forces attempted to advance near Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Paraskoviivka, and Kostyantynivka. Fighting continues in three locations.

At Vremivka , two combat engagements are ongoing near Vodiane and Kostyantynivka.

Russian forces intensified their efforts near Orikhiv, launching three unsuccessful attacks near Robotyne and Mala Tokmachka.

At Prydniprovske, three Russian assaults on the left bank of the Dnipro were repelled, with no Ukrainian positions lost.

The situation remained “stable” at other fronts.

The General Staff’s update gave a special mention to the 54th Hetman Ivan Mazepa Brigade troops who were “commended for their effective destruction of Russian manpower and military equipment”.

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