MOSCOW. June 24 (Interfax) - Ukrainian forces operating in the Hirske and Zolote area have been fully blocked, and the grip on the Hirske pocket has been tightening, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Friday.
"A group of Ukrainian forces has been fully blocked in the area of Hirske and Zolote," Konashenkov said.
"Russian forces are tightening the grip on the Hirske pocket, by inflicting continuous fire damage on the enemy. Half of the town of Zolote was taken under control yesterday," he said.