Russian forces are attempting to use spring foliage as cover to infiltrate deeper into Ukrainian defensive positions on the southern front, but Ukrainian troops are increasing search-and-strike operations and containing the advances, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said.
On Monday, speaking on television, Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Defense Forces of the South, said Russian units are exploiting newly grown vegetation, or green covers, to move small groups forward, particularly near the Velykomykhailivka forest, Ukrinform reported.
“The foliage has now grown in, and the enemy is trying to use it to penetrate deeper into our defenses,” Voloshyn said, adding that Ukrainian forces have intensified patrols and targeted operations to detect such groups.
According to Voloshyn, Russian activity has increased in several directions, including the Oleksandrivka sector. He said Russian groups are attempting to enter the Velykomykhailivka forest to scout possible crossings of the Vovcha River, which runs through the area.
“In this forest, the enemy is trying to seize a foothold in order to continue assault operations toward the Pokrovsk sector and the Dnipropetrovsk region,” Voloshyn said.
Despite these efforts, Ukrainian forces have prevented Russian troops from establishing positions in the area, he added.
On Sunday, 241 combat engagements between Ukrainian and Russian forces were recorded, with the heaviest fighting being in the Pokrovsk sector.
Ukrainian defenders have repelled 55 assault attempts.