The situation in the ATO zone in eastern Ukraine remains tense / Photo from UNIAN

"In the past day, the enemy has launched the most intensive shelling of ATO troops since the beginning of the year, using the large-caliber artillery systems and multiple launch rocket systems," he said.

"As we have warned, a provocation against the OSCE mission was part of preparations for the offensive against us," Turchynov said.

In his words, having burnt the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission's cars to unable the monitors to move, "the enemy mounted an attack after massive artillery preparation, involving the strength of a battalion tactical group reinforced by armored vehicles, on the fortified positions of the 72nd Brigade in the direction of the villages of Novolaspa and Starohnativka."

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"The enemy's offensive and attempts to break through our defense line were stopped, after which it was counterattacked by the ATO forces," he said. In his words, Russian-terrorist groupings suffered considerable losses, were made to retreat, and the Ukrainian troops even advanced up to three kilometers further, retaking the commanding eminences.

The situation in the ATO zone remains tense, Turchynov said. "The enemy opens artillery fire, builds up troops to breach our defense in certain directions."

"With due regard for the situation, the President of Ukraine has held an urgent meeting with the Chief of the General Staff, the Defense Minister, and the NSDC Secretary," he said.

"The plan for responding to provocative actions and attempts to break through our defense by the Russian-terrorist groupings has been worked out," Turchynov said.