Ukrainian forces advance near Bakhmut – Ukraine’s Defense Ministry

On Sunday, 9 July, the situation on the eastern and southern fronts did not change significantly, but there was some progress on the southern flank near Bakhmut, according to Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Hanna Maliar. On the eastern front, the Russian offensive has been halted in all directions (Avdiivka, Mariinka and Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, and Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast), according to Hanna Maliar. Heavy fighting in these areas continues, with no change in positions, Maliar said.

"The enemy is on the defensive in the Bakhmut sector. On the southern flank, there is a certain advance of our troops. On the northern flank, there are no changes in positions," Maliar said.

In the south, fierce fighting continues in the Melitopol and Berdiansk offensive areas.

"The process of consolidation of the achieved positions continues. Our troops are conducting aerial reconnaissance of the area, demining the terrain and applying artillery fire on the identified enemy targets, carrying out counter-battery measures, ready to continue offensive actions," Hanna Maliar said.

Ukrainian counteroffensive operations continue in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts. Related:

• Frontline report: Ukrainians make strides in southern front's Velyka Novosilka axis, outmaneuvering Russian defenses
• Steady progress of the Ukrainian military near Bakhmut, according to British intelligence
• Ukraine launches counteroffensive on three fronts as Russia escalates attacks - ISW
• Ukraine advances one more kilometer south of Donetsk's Bakhmut - Defense Ministry