Russia says it repelled Ukrainian attack on eastern front

MOSCOW, May 12 (AFP): Russia said Friday it had repelled Ukrainian attacks along a 95-kilometre (60-mile) stretch of the eastern front near the town of Bakhmut, as an anticipated Ukrainian offensive looms.

The announcement of the apparent large-scale Ukrainian push on Moscow-occupied territory came as Ukraine claimed significant gains in Bakhmut and after Moscow denied that Kyiv had made any breakthroughs.

"In the tactical direction of Soledar, the enemy yesterday carried out offensive operations along the entire line of contact, which is more than 95 kilometres long," the defence ministry said.

It added that Ukraine had deployed "more than 1,000 military personnel and up to 40 tanks".

"All the attacks of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been repelled," the defence ministry added.

AFP could not verify these claims with independent sources.

Soledar fell to Russian forces at the end of January after being virtually razed to the ground. It is around 15 kilometres northeast of Bakhmut, the current epicentre of fighting.