MOSCOW, April 11. /TASS/. Russian forces focused their major efforts on Artyomovsk in the Donetsk area, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov told a briefing on the special military operation in Ukraine on Tuesday.

"In the Donetsk direction, the basic efforts in combat operations were focused on the city of Artyomovsk," the spokesman said.

The assault teams of the Wagner private military company continued fighting for residential areas in the city’s central part, edging out enemy forces to western outskirts, the general said.

"On the flanks, the assault teams are being supported by Airborne Force units," Konashenkov reported.

Missile troops and artillery of Russia’s southern battlegroup, and also operational/tactical aircraft are providing support for the troop advance, he said.

"In the past 24 hours, aircraft flew 11 sorties in the area of the city of Artyomovsk while missile troops and artillery accomplished 48 firing objectives for these purposes," the general said.