Donetsk, Jun 20 — DAN. Russian forces have destroyed 11 Ukrainian MLRS batteries and 12 artillery batteries on the Donetsk axis in 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defence said on Monday.

“As part of the counter-battery efforts at the Donetsk direction, 11 Ukrainian Grad MLRS batteries and 12 artillery batteries were destroyed,” the Ministry said.

The batteries were deployed to 11 townships in the vicinity of Donetsk.

Two 155 mm M-777 howitzers and gunners were destroyed in Podgornoye.

In addition, 47 equipment and troops assembly areas were destroyed, as well as a Buk-M1 missile system close to Seversk. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier that the coalition would intensify counter-battery combat.

Russia started a special military operation to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the decision had been made after the DPR and LPR Heads addressed him asking for help.

The Russian leader said that Moscow is not planning to occupy Ukrainian territory, the only goal is to protect people who have been continuously shelled and subjected to other forms of genocide by Ukraine for eight years. *ot