An attempt to push the Ukrainian units back from their positions came following a mortar attack by militants, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense.
"After an adequate response by units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy was forced to retreat. There are no casualties reported among the personnel of the Armed Forces. Enemy losses are being verified," reads a statement.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on December 18, Russia-backed militants attacked the Ukrainian troops at the Svitlodarsk arc. There were three fire raids against the Ukrainian forces, lasting three to six hours each. Five Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action and another and six were wounded. 10 troops sustained injuries and were shell-shocked. According to General Staff of AFU, this day brought the heaviest losses over the past five months.
