Although russia has opened a new axis in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, russian attacks remain high in the east of Ukraine, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Russian forces continued their operational focus on the axis north-west of Avdiivka with attacks on a broad frontage either side of the E50 highway. Russian forces have likely made a series of small tactical gains over the last 72 hours, though probably at heavy cost.
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The E50 highway represents the main line of communication between temporarily occupied Donetsk and Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, which remains approximately 30 km from current frontline position, but is likely a russian operational objective. Russian attacks in this direction likely seek to create a salient and split Ukrainian forces in Donetsk.
To the north of Bakhmut, in the vicinity of the town of Siversk, Ukrainian forces reported heavy clashes with russian forces on May 18 and 19, 2024 with attacks against Ukrainian positions in Bilohorivka, Verknokamianske, and Rozdolivka. Russian gains in this area remain highly limited.
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