The positions of the Ukrainian special regiment Azov in the village of Shyrokyne, Volnovakha district of Donetsk region, have been attacked by militants artillery and tanks, the Azov regiment reported on its VKontakte account on Saturday morning.

"08.30. Following lengthy artillery preparation, the enemy launched an offensive using tanks, armored personnel carriers and infantry. Trying to outflank us. Both our and their artillery and tanks are working very intensively," it said.

The Azov regiment had reported earlier that its opponents had started an offensive on its positions in Shyrokyne at 0500 on Saturday. "The terrorists are using tanks and artillery. Significant forces have been engaged in the attack. The Azov men are holding their positions and conducting heavy fighting," it said.