UA army: Russia preparing Sloviansk offensive

Russian troops are preparing a new offensive against the city of Sloviansk, Ukraine’s military said.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said Moscow managed to get a foothold in the village of Bohorodychne, 24km (15 miles) northwest of Sloviansk, and was preparing to attack the city.

Army spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said Russian troops “experienced success” in fighting in the direction of the city. Shtupun also claimed Russia had six carriers in the Black Sea “readied for the use of missile weapons”.

He also stated that the Ukrainian army “repelled” 14 attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, destroying four tanks, two artillery systems, and an ammunition depot.