Top Ukraine general says fighting in north-east has ‘significantly worsened’

Fighting along the northern section of Ukraine’s eastern front has significantly worsened in recent days, with dozens of daily assaults by Russian forces, the commander of Kyiv’s ground forces has said.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was visiting troops in the area, said Russian forces had regrouped after suffering losses and were attacking around the village of Makiivka and towards the city of Kupiansk, according to a report by Reuters.

“The main objective of the enemy is the defeat of a grouping of our troops, the encirclement of Kupiansk and to reach the Oskil River,” he said in comments carried by an official military platform.

He also said that despite the Russian attacks, Ukrainian troops had been ready and were holding their ground.