Russia attacking areas near Syevyerodonetsk city, says Ukrainian military

KYIV, Ukraine

Russian forces continue to attack areas near the city of Syevyerodonetsk, the Ukrainian military said on Friday.

The Russians are trying to improve their tactical position to cut off Ukrainian troops from logistical support, the Ukrainian General Staff said in a statement.

Russian forces shelled the settlements of Svyatogorsk, Bohorodychne, and Vernopolye near the city of Sloviansk, it added.

Russian air attacks hit Seversk, Sloviansk, and Dovgenkiy, while Russian forces also tried to repel Ukrainian troops near Lyman and targeted the settlements of Ozerne and Dibrova with howitzers and multiple rocket launchers, according to the statement.

Several towns near Avdiivka city were also targeted in land and air attacks, the Ukrainian army said, adding that a Russian Su-35 fighter jet was shot down in the Kherson region.​​​​​​​