Lysenko: Situation deteriorating as militants pound Ukrainian positions with heavy artillery

REUTERS

"The situation in the area of the Anti-Terrorist Operation is deteriorating. The Russian-backed militants are firing heavy weapons almost continuously in key sections of the front line," Lysenko said.

According to Lysenko, the enemy is focusing fire on residential areas of the frontline settlements, leading to the destruction of infrastructure, casualties and injuries to civilians.

"The negative trend [of the militants trying] to expand the geography of active fighting still remains – the militants are firing on the previously relatively peaceful parts of the contact line. At the same time, the enemy continues its false propaganda campaign to discredit the Ukrainian armed forces in order to mask its aggression," Lysenko said.