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Russian forces have had ‘partial success’ in their battle against Ukrainian troops on the outskirts of Donetsk city, according the Facebook page of the general staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but elsewhere they have been mostly regrouping or holding their ground.

A situation update as at 6pm says that the Vladimir Putin’s forces have been regrouping in the Sloviansk, Lyman and Severodonetsk areas, and broadly holding their positions around Kharkiv.

But in Mariupol, where Ukrainian fighters have put up stiff resistance while holed up in a steelworks, the Russians have been launching waves of assaults.

A statement from the general staff says: “Donetsk axis: The adversary’s group focuses its main efforts on preparation for offensive operations towards of the residential areas of Severodonetsk, Soledar, and Bakhmut, resupplies and regroups its units.

“Up to two battalion tactical groups were relocated on this axis. The enemy is conducting assault operations along the line of contact with the support of aircraft and artillery, has partial success in the vicinity of Avdiyivka (Avdiivka).

“Lyman and Severodonetsk axes: the adversary is regrouping its troops. The reinforcements here amount up to the battalion tactical group in the area of the Novy Aidar railway station.

“In Mariupol, the enemy continues to blockade our units near the Azovstal plant. Inflicts massive artillery and air strikes, conducts assault operations.”