Ukraine: Russia trying to stay on offensive around Kharkiv

Ukraine's military said Saturday that Russian forces were actively on the offensive across Kharkiv, Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk.

The spokesman of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Shtupun, said that the Russian military had used artillery shelling across various settlements towards Kharkiv.

He added that Russians used mortars, artillery and rocket-propelled grenade launchers against various settlements towards the direction of Sloviansk.

According to him Russian forces were aiming to continue their push towards Izium and Sloviansk.

Shtupun also acknowledged that during the Russian advance towards the city of Sieverodonetsk the village of Met'olkine, located outside the city, was partially captured.

However, he said that Ukrainian forces had stopped the advance near Syrotyne.