The spokesman added that Russian assault troops are conducting high-intensity military operations to seize control of the western quarters of Artyomovsk.

Airborne units operate on the flanks, providing support to assault detachments and preventing the Ukrainian Armed Forces from delivering ammunition to the city and bringing in reserves, Konashenkov said.

Yan Gaguin, adviser to the acting chief of the Donetsk Popular Republic, said earlier that the Ukrainian army has lost a large number of troops during the battle for Artyomovsk.

jrr/llp/ro/gfa