In the Slobozhansky and Donetsk operational districts, Russian troops intensified offensive operations in some areas, attempting to break through the Ukrainian defenses along almost the entire front line in Donetsk, Kharkiv and Luhansk regions with the aim of occupying the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk.[67] Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government stated that Ukrainian forces launched a counterattack and recaptured the town of Marinka.[68] Libyan and Syrian mercenaries likely associated with the Wagner Group allegedly clashed with Ukrainian forces in Popasna.