MOSCOW. April 24 (Interfax) - Assault units are continuing operations in the western part of Artyomovsk (Bakhmut), Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.
"In the Donetsk sector, assault units are continuing operations in the western part of the city of Artyomovsk," Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Monday.
"Tactical aircraft, army aviation and artillery from the southern group of forces, acting together with units of the Airborne Forces, have supported the assault units and prevented the enemy's attempts at attacking from the flanks," he said.
Aircraft performed eight flights in the area over the day, while the group's artillery accomplished 76 firing missions, Konashenkov said.
"Meanwhile, reserves of the enemy deploying towards Artyomovsk were hit near Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People's Republic," he said.
In this area, the Ukrainian forces lost over 280 troops and mercenaries, an infantry combat vehicle, an armored personnel carrier, four armored combat vehicles, eleven trucks, a Grad rocket launcher and a D-30 howitzer over the past day, Konashenkov said.