Russian accounts of the front line said Moscow's forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks near villages ringing Bakhmut and in areas further south, particularly the strategic hilltop town of Vuhlear. "In addition, the enemy has started an attack in the Svatove area," she said, referring to a region of northeastern Ukraine where Russian forces have been active. Maliar reported "partial success" south of Bakhmut, taken in late May by Russian forces after months of fierce fighting. And on the southern front, where Ukrainian forces have recaptured several villages, Maliar said there had been "gradual advances" in two areas. Ukraine has also had to endure persistent Russian air attacks on Ukrainian cities, though the Kremlin denies attacking civilian targets.

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Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Hanna Maliar, Maliar, General Oleksander Tarnavskiy, General Valery Zaluzhniy, Ron Popeski, Nick Starkov, Chizu Organizations: REUTERS, Ukrainian, Russian, Kremlin, Thomson Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Kyiv, Bakhmut, Vuhlear, Odesa, Russia's, Avdiivka, Maryinka, Donetsk, Russia