MOSCOW. May 2 (Interfax) - Assault units are fighting in the western part of Artyomovsk (Bakhmut), while paratroopers are containing Ukrainian troops on the flanks, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
"In the Donetsk sector, assault units were fighting in the western part of the city of Artyomovsk. Russian aviation performed seven flights there in the past 24 hours. The group's artillery accomplished 74 firing missions," Konashenkov said.
"Meanwhile, the Airborne Forces accomplished their missions to contain Ukrainian troops on the flanks of the assault units," he said.
"Tactical aircraft, army aviation, artillery and heavy flamethrowers from the southern group of forces hit hostile units near Chasov Yar, Bogdanovka and Grigorovka in the Donetsk People's Republic," Konashenkov said.
"Up to 290 Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries were killed, and one tank, four armored combat vehicles, six trucks and a D-20 howitzer were destroyed" in that area over the past day, he said.