The retreat from Severodonetsk was "tactical and organized, our command decided to regroup on new positions".
This was stated by Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov in an interview with ITV News.
Assuring that "Ukraine will return to its 1991 borders. There will be no other scenarios and we are not considering others. Before the end of the year, active fighting will decrease to practically zero. We will regain control of our territories in the near future".
And he added: "Starting in August, events will occur that will show the world that the turning point is starting to take place." Some missiles have been fired from Belarus in the direction of the Chernihiv border region.
This was announced by the Ukrainian army.
Ukraine, destruction after the bombing of Bakhmut
Russia reported killing "up to 80" Polish fighters in a bombing raid in eastern Ukraine.
"Up to 80 Polish mercenaries, 20 armored combat vehicles and eight Grad multiple rocket launchers were destroyed in attacks with high-precision weapons against the Megatex (battery manufacturer, ed) plant in Konstantinovka", in the Donetsk region ( east), the Russian defense ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine, the destruction after the bombing in the Kharkiv region
Clashes between Russians and Ukrainians intensify in Lugansk.
The pro-Moscow separatists have announced that in Lysychansk there is "fighting in the streets".
The sister city of Severodonetsk on the opposite bank of the Donets River is considered by the Russians as a strategic goal to conquer the entire region.
"48 Russian cruise missiles. At night. All over Ukraine. Exclusively on civilian targets ... Russia is still trying to intimidate Ukraine, cause panic and make people fear Z monsters ... Ukraine knows everything and she is ready for anything. And she will punish for all evil ... "Mikhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, writes on Twitter.
The death toll of children killed in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion has risen to 339, the country's attorney general's office said.
At least 611 minors were injured. This was announced by the country's Attorney General's office, according to reports from Urkinform.
About 34,700 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since the invasion began, according to the Kiev army.
In its update on Moscow's losses so far, the Ukrainian military indicates that 217 fighters, 184 helicopters and 626 drones have also been shot down.
In addition, the Kiev forces claim to have destroyed 1,511 Russian tanks, 764 pieces of artillery, 3,645 armored vehicles for transporting troops and 14 ships.