Donetsk, Jun 29 - DAN. Ukrainian forces, backed by heavy artillery fire, attacked DPR positions in Vasilyevka village area outside Yasinovataya on Thursday, a DPR Operations Command representative said.

“Today, after massive preparatory bombardment of Vasilyevka village area with 122mm and 152mm artillery, Ukrainian army launched an attack at 4:30 p.m. with up to two squads supported by two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles and one armoured personnel carrier, in an attempt to seize our positions,” the military official said.

He said that the enemy had been stopped and forced to retreat to his positions. Ukraine's casualties amounted to five dead; it also lost one infantry fighting vehicle and the armoured personnel carrier.

Vasilyevka village outside Yasinovataya is controlled by DPR. It accommodates the first level pumping station of Yuzhnodonbasskiy water duct which came under Kiev forces fire more than 50 times during the conflict. The facility often suspended its operation due to shelling causing disruptions in water supply on both sides of the contact line.*jk