18. Bobovnikova's comments came after the crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState reported on Oct. 17 that Russian forces had advanced in Chasiv Yar. "I do not confirm the fact that Russian troops have managed to gain a foothold in the canal ... or anywhere in the direction of Chasiv Yar," Bobovnikova said. "The overall strategic position of the city remains under the control of Ukraine."Groups of Russian soldiers have, at times, crossed the canal and engaged in assault operations on the Ukrainian-controlled side of the city, Bobovnikova clarified. "Given that the enemy uses the tactics of small assault groups, the enemy infantry runs behind the canal," Bobovnikova said. "However, such maneuvers are accompanied by significant losses for the Russians. Ukrainian forces quickly repel such attacks, pushing Russian units back.