40 towns and villages are bombarded in the Ukrainian Donbass region, the Russians invade Donetsk

After the Russians occupied the Luhansk province, they now invaded Donetsk. Both regions were the last Ukrainian strongholds of the Donbass, since the two regions were called together.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army said that Russian forces were trying to advance west of the Luhansk-Donetsk border towards the cities of Bashmut and Slovyansk. “The enemy led an attack on Verkhne Kamianske with partial success.” They added that the Russians also advanced “in the area of ​​the settlement of Spirn.”

Verkhne Kamianske and Spirne border the main road leading west from the city of Lisichansk, which fell last week. The Ukrainians also said that “the occupiers are advancing towards Vyzela Dolina”, which is near Bashmoet. According to the General Staff, the Russians are using artillery, mortars, multiple missile systems and air strikes to eliminate the Ukrainian defense line.

heavy battles

In its analysis of the military situation on Friday, international security consultancy Cavill Group tweeted: “There continues to be heavy fighting on many roads and settlements around Seversk.” This is the last city of any size on the way to the west towards Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.

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Cavell added: “A similar situation is happening towards Bachmoet. Russia is making gains there slowly despite the stiff resistance, they are slowly securing more highway to Lisichansk and are approaching Bachmoet’s defense.”

Report of the American Research Institute for the Study of War: “Russian forces carried out on July 7 (Thursday, editor) Ground attacks remain limited and air, artillery and missile strikes remain on all axes. It will likely remain limited to small strikes while sparing forces for a larger attack.”