Russians intensify artillery fire in south and increase ammunition use, says Voloshyn

This was reported by Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, in a comment to Ukrinform.

“To create favorable conditions for their troops’ assault operations, the enemy’s artillery activity has increased significantly. Over the past 24 hours, more than 300 shellings of our positions were recorded, and over the previous 24 hours, a total of 374. Accordingly, the amount of ammunition used for this purpose has increased. According to our intelligence, the enemy has increased ammunition usage limits in its artillery units to intensify counter-battery fire and bolster support for assault operations,” he noted.

According to the spokesperson, the enemy is also not reducing the intensity of its assault operations. The highest number of combat engagements is being recorded in the Huliaipole sector.

“Currently, the enemy has increased the number of combat engagements to more than 35 per day. Over the past 24 hours, 33 clashes were recorded, 26 of which occurred in the Huliaipole sector. Here, they attempted to storm the areas near the settlements of Huliaipilske, Dobropillia, Olenokostiantynivka, and Verkhnia Tersa, and combat clashes also continued in Huliaipole itself, as the enemy tried to drive our units out of their positions with fire,” Voloshyn said.

He clarified that in the Huliaipole area, Russian troops attempted to attack not only with small assault groups but also with motorized rifle platoons using armored combat vehicles and motorcycles; however, Ukrainian forces detected and neutralized this equipment and personnel in time.

Also, the Russian army has been increasing the intensity of its airstrikes in recent days. In particular, the enemy is actively using guided aerial bombs and striking frontline and rear areas.

“Over the past few days, the enemy has increased the number of airstrikes using guided aerial bombs. This amounts to more than 100 guided aerial bombs per day, roughly 25–30 airstrikes. And over the past 24 hours, the enemy even launched airstrikes with cruise missiles against the Odesa region,” the spokesperson added.

As reported by Ukrinform, over the past 24 hours, on May 14, 257 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front lines. The enemy is exerting the greatest pressure in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Huliaipole sectors.

Photo: AFU General Staff