Russian forces are attempting to expand their attack in the Luhansk area, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, with “constant attempts” to bridge the Siverskyi Donets river near Belahorivka.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s spokesperson, Col. Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, claimed the Russians had erected three pontoon crosses across the river and were providing artillery and aircraft support to ground forces.

He claimed the Russians wanted to cut off Lysychansk, a frontline village approximately ten miles (16 kilometres) from one of the pontoon bridges shown on satellite photos.

If successful, the Russian offensive might cut off Ukrainian supply routes to the Lysychansk and Severodonetsk defences.