KYIV: Days before the first anniversary of Moscow’s invasion heavy artillery bombardment was being directed at the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. As the NATO supremo confirmed local claims that a massive new Russian offensive had started.
Officials from the Ukrainian military warned on Monday that the country’s defenders, who have already held out for months, were preparing for fresh ground assaults.
The general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces reported on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had successfully resisted Russian attacks in one hamlet in the Kharkiv region. About five in the Luhansk region, and six in the Donetsk region, including one in the Bakhmut area.
Only those in military roles were permitted to enter Bakhmut’s entrenched positions.
A deputy battalion commander stated on Monday that any people who wished to continue leaving the city would have to endure the approaching fire.
According to Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of the Donetsk region. “There is not a single square meter in Bakhmut that is safe. And is not in range of enemy fire or drones.”
Vladimir Putin of Russia has set a top priority on capturing Bakhmut. Because doing so would give Russia a foothold in the Donetsk region and a rare triumph after months of defeats.
The Donbas, or the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, is the industrial center of Ukraine. And is currently partially under Russian control.
As the beginning of a new offensive. We can see that they are sending additional troops, weapons, and capabilities. Said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressing reporters in Brussels.
Mercenaries from the Wagner group have been leading the Russian attack on Bakhmut and have made slow but steady progress. The situation there became much worse as a result of the repeated Russian bombardments.
Without providing further details, the Russian defense ministry claimed that its troops had advanced a few kilometers along the frontlines.
