MOSCOW. May 16 (Interfax) - Assault unit are continuing an offensive in the western blocks of Artyomovsk with support of the southern group of forces on the flanks, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.
"In the Donetsk sector, assault units continued their offensive in western blocks of the city of Artyomovsk. Units from the southern group of forces were containing the enemy and protecting the assault units on the flanks," Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Tactical aircraft, army aviation, and artillery from the southern group of forces hit hostile units near Chasov Yar and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), he said.
"Nine flights were performed in that area, and the group's artillery accomplished 74 firing missions," Konashenkov said.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 215 troops, five armored combat vehicles, seven trucks, and Msta-B and D-30 howitzers in the area over the past day, he said.