The Armed Forces took the initiative: in the Kupyansk direction of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation come unsuccessfully - painter
According to her, combat clashes on the mentioned area of the front are ongoing, but "the initiative is already on our side. " The occupation group of Russian troops went on the offensive on the eve, July 17. "On the southern flank around Bakhmut today, like all the previous days, there was a promotion of our troops," Malyar said. Moreover, the fighting continues in the north direction. Ukrainian defenders have to act in conditions of dense mine and intense hostile fire.
On July 18, the commander of the Land Forces Alexander Sirsky reported that Russian troops were stepping in Kupyansk direction, aiming to defeat the forces of Ukraine's defense in the Kupyansk district and continue the offensive deep into Ukrainian positions. According to the commander, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation overturns additional forces to Bakhmut to resist the promotion of defense forces. In general, Sirsky estimates the situation in the eastern direction as "complex".