Russian special forces suffer losses as they attack Donetsk airport

There were a total of 41 attacks on Ukrainian forces by Russian-backed insurgents and Russian troops over the last 24 hours.

The press center of the Ukrainian government’s Anti-Terrorist Operation said on Monday in a posting on its Facebook page, UNIAN reports.

"Enemy activity was observed in the areas of Luhansk, Donetsk, Mariupol and Debaltsevo," the report reads.

"Volleys of artillery fire and mortar rounds were heard in the outskirts of the villages of Sokilnyki, Kriakivka, Krymske, Artem, Nyzhnioteple, Stanychno-Luhanske, Makarove, Triohizbenka, Shchastia, Heyivka, Pisky, Donetsk, Avdiivka, Tonenke, Opytne, Bohdanivka, Nikishyne, Maloorlivka, Debaltseve, Novolaspa, Mykolaivka, and Pavlopil.

"The insurgents continue to attack Donetsk airport. A Russian special forces unit was involved in the assault on Ukrainian forces. Our guys repulsed the attack of the enemy. The attackers retreated after suffering heavy losses," the headquarters said.

The military also said that Ukrainian troops have the situation near Mariupol under control.