Russian forces have gained ground near the eastern Ukrainian city of Svatov: Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar

Kiev: Ukraine’s deputy defense minister said on Sunday that the Russian military has gained some land near the city of Svyatov in eastern Ukraine, CNN reported.

Defense officer Hanna Maliar said in a telegram post, “There is fierce fighting going on. The enemy is attacking Bilohorivka and Serebryanka.” She was referring to two small villages south of Swatov.

The eastern city, which is located in the Luhansk region, has long been considered a prime target for Ukrainian forces. It is located along major Russian supply routes, so any eventual capture of the city would have significant strategic implications for Ukraine, according to CNN.

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“Heavy fighting” continues along the entire eastern frontline, with Russia attacking in multiple directions. The towns of Avdiivka, Marinka and Lyman are among them, Maliar said, repeating a report from the Ukrainian military on Saturday.

Maliar said that while Ukrainian fighters advancing on the southern flank in the Bakhmut area are having “partial success”, Russia has moved two air assault regiments to the northern flank and fighting continues.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he fears losing bipartisan support from the United States, according to a CNN report, which he called “a dangerous message coming from some Republicans”.

“Mike Pence has met us, and he supports Ukraine. First, as an American, and then as a Republican,” Zelensky told a news conference with Spanish media in Kiev on Saturday. ”

He said, “We have bipartisan support. However, there are different messages in their circles regarding support for Ukraine. There are messages coming from some Republicans, sometimes alarming messages, that there may be less support.”