Sharjah 24 – Reuters: Ukraine's top commander reported on Sunday that Kyiv's troops had retreated to new positions west of three villages on the eastern front, where Russia has concentrated significant forces.

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi described the situation as worsening, particularly in areas west of Maryinka and northwest of Avdiivka, where Russia has committed four brigades to the assault.

While acknowledging tactical successes by the enemy, he emphasised that Ukraine was maintaining its operational stance. Additionally, he noted increased Russian troop activity near the northeastern city of Kharkiv, a worrying development for Ukraine.

Syrskyi also mentioned ongoing efforts to reinforce Ukrainian positions with artillery and tank units. He described the situation as critical, with Chasiv Yar and the village of Ivanivske to its northeast identified as the "hottest spots" on that part of the front. Russia's defense ministry said it had repelled Ukrainian counter-attacks near Chasiv Yar.

Further, Syrskyi mentioned that there were signs of an increase in the number of Russian troops in the area of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. The northeastern city of 1.3 million, just 30 km from the Russian border, has been hammered by airstrikes in recent months in what Kyiv has said is a deliberate effort by Moscow to make Kharkiv uninhabitable.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the challenging situation, Syrskyi emphasised Ukraine's commitment to maintaining its defence and monitoring developments closely.