Ukrainian forces restore control over several towns near Mariupol - National Security Council chief

Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov reported from the scene of fighting that the National Guard, backed by the military, have broken through the militants positions near Mariupol freeing several populated areas.

Turchynov said, according to the National Security and Defense Council's press service, that the Ukrainian military freed Pavlopil, Kominternove, Lebedynske, Berdianske and Shyrokine.

"The enemy has sustained very serious combat losses," Turchynov said, adding that the Ukrainian counteroffensive "ensured reliable defense for Mariupol from artillery strikes."

The Azov special task regiment was in the vanguard of the attack, Turchynov said.