MOSCOW. May 3 (Interfax) - Russian assault units are continuing operations in the western part of Artyomovsk (Bakhmut), Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
"In the Donetsk sector, assault units have been fighting in the western part of the city of Artyomovsk. Units of the Airborne Forces are containing enemy forces on the flanks," Konashenkov said.
"Tactical and army aircraft, artillery and heavy flamethrowers of the southern group of forces struck enemy units near the populated localities of Grigorovka and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People's Republic," he said.
Russian military aircraft flew nine missions and artillery forces accomplished 63 fire tasks in this sector over the past day, Konashenkov said.
The Ukrainian army's losses in the sector over the past day included more than 385 Ukrainian troops and mercenaries, one tank, four armored fighting vehicles, four automobiles, and D-20 and D-30 howitzers, he said.