BACHMUT: Ukrainian troops defended the positions on Wednesday Lucky In eastern Ukraine, a relentless push by Russian forces to capture the city, which has been reduced to a desert by seven months of fighting. Both sides have succeeded in what has become the longest battle since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago.
This was reported by Ukrainian officials Ground forces of Ukraine He shot down a Russian fighter near Bakhmut and achieved victories in the northern parts of the city.
At the same time, Yevgeny Prigoginefounder of mercenary Wagner groupwhich led the Russian assault on the city, said in a social media post on Wednesday that Russian forces had taken control of the Zaliznyanskoye settlement and were expanding the encirclement of Bakhmut.
Claims could not be verified.
The battle for Bakhmut intensified after Russian forces captured the nearby town of Soledar in January. Russian forces must pass through Bakhmut to push deeper into parts of Donetsk province they do not yet control, although Western officials say capturing the city will have limited impact on the course of the war.
A UK Ministry of Defense assessment over the weekend said the Wagner Group’s paramilitary units had captured eastern parts of Bakhmut, where the river runs through the town, marking the frontline of the fighting.
Russian troops surrounded the city on three sides, leaving only a narrow corridor leading to the west. The only highway to the west has been targeted by Russian artillery fire, forcing Ukrainian defenders to increasingly rely on rural roads that are difficult to use until the muddy ground dries out.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky On Tuesday, the situation in Bakhmut was discussed with high-ranking military and intelligence officials and all agreed on the need to hold and protect the city, the presidential office said.
This was reported by Ukrainian officials Ground forces of Ukraine He shot down a Russian fighter near Bakhmut and achieved victories in the northern parts of the city.
At the same time, Yevgeny Prigoginefounder of mercenary Wagner groupwhich led the Russian assault on the city, said in a social media post on Wednesday that Russian forces had taken control of the Zaliznyanskoye settlement and were expanding the encirclement of Bakhmut.
Claims could not be verified.
The battle for Bakhmut intensified after Russian forces captured the nearby town of Soledar in January. Russian forces must pass through Bakhmut to push deeper into parts of Donetsk province they do not yet control, although Western officials say capturing the city will have limited impact on the course of the war.
A UK Ministry of Defense assessment over the weekend said the Wagner Group’s paramilitary units had captured eastern parts of Bakhmut, where the river runs through the town, marking the frontline of the fighting.
Russian troops surrounded the city on three sides, leaving only a narrow corridor leading to the west. The only highway to the west has been targeted by Russian artillery fire, forcing Ukrainian defenders to increasingly rely on rural roads that are difficult to use until the muddy ground dries out.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky On Tuesday, the situation in Bakhmut was discussed with high-ranking military and intelligence officials and all agreed on the need to hold and protect the city, the presidential office said.