Russia claims the fighting is getting more intense in the south of Ukraine

In recent months, there has been less activity on the front in the south than in the east.

Now “the intensity of the military activity” is increasing, according to spokesman for the Russian occupation board in Zaporizhzhia, Vladimir Rogov.

He says Russia has taken control of the village of Lobkove. The village is 50 kilometers south of the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhya.

Russian forces had attacked a number of Ukrainian positions with artillery, according to Rogov. He has referred to the attacks as a “local offensive”.

The Ukrainian defense forces said on Friday that Russia has attacked more than 20 settlements.