Russian Forces Continue Offensive Progress in All Directions: Gerasimov

The offensive operations of the Russian armed forces continue in all directions without a reduction in pace. This was stated by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Valery Gerasimov, during a check-up visit to the Southern Military District.

According to Gerasimov, Russian units have breached the first line of defense of the fortified area around Sloviansk-Kramatorsk in certain sectors. Fighting is ongoing in several settlements, and he claimed that half of the area near Alexeevka-Druzhkovka is under the control of Russian forces.

He reported that Russian units are located about four kilometers away from the eastern outskirts of Sloviansk. Combat operations are also taking place east of Kramatorsk, near the city's airport.

Gerasimov noted that Russian forces have approached Druzhkovka to within approximately 1.5 kilometers, and over the past two months, they have gained control of more than 100 square kilometers in that direction.

The Chief of the General Staff also asserted that Kyiv is spreading “false information” regarding the successful advances of Ukrainian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region, attempting to convince Western countries of the effectiveness of its armed forces.