Situation “extremely tense” on Siversk, Bakhmut axes in Donetsk region - Commander Syrskyi

That’s according to the Ground Forces press service, Ukrinform reports.

"The situation remains extremely tense as we see the enemy intensively employing artillery, mortars, and attack drones, as well as running assault operations," the press service quotes Sirskyi as saying.

The report notes that the commanders briefed Syrskyi on their conclusions from the assessment of the latest battlefield developments as to further action required. Decisions were made on the ground to increase the efficiency of Ukraine’s defenses and address existing issues.

Read also: War update: 68 combat clashes in Ukraine over past day

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on January 18, Ground Forces Commander Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi visited military units holding the defense in the Kupiansk direction, where he joined commanders on the ground in planning the use of reserves.