President Zelensky calls the battle for Bakhmut ‘most difficult’ but says its defence is essential
Russian forces carried out relentless attacks on Bakhmut on Wednesday, trying to encircle the small eastern Ukrainian city and claim their first major prize for more than half a year after some of the bloodiest fighting of the war.
In a briefing on Wednesday morning, the Ukrainian military said: “The enemy continues to advance in the direction of Bakhmut. He does not stop storming the city of Bakhmut.”President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video address late on Tuesday, said the battle for Bakhmut was “most difficult” but its defence was essential.
Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said Russian forces had driven a wedge between two villages north of Bakhmut, Berkhivka and Yahidne, a “breakthrough on Bakhmut’s northern flank” that “poses a clear threat to us”. Reuters could not verify that report. Fighting near Bakhmut has been led by Wagner, which has recruited tens of thousands of convicts from prisons and sent them to the front.
Ukrainians and Russians traditionally view March 1 as the first day of spring. Already, frozen ground has melted at the front, bringing the “rasputitsa” - a season of sucking black mud notorious in military history for destroying armies attempting to attack across the territory of Ukraine and western Russia.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia tries to close ring around Bakhmut as thawing ground turns to mudMoscow’s troops have made clear, if slow, progress north and south of Bakhmut, attempting to cut off Ukrainian forces inside the ruined city
Read more »
Russia fights to encircle Ukraine's defenders in BakhmutDONETSK PROVINCE — Russian forces pressed their offensive in eastern Ukraine as they attempted to encircle the small mining city of Bakhmut, the scene of the…
Read more »
Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine focused on BakhmutDONETSK PROVINCE — Russian forces kept up their offensive in eastern Ukraine as they pressed to encircle the small mining city of Bakhmut, the scene of the…
Read more »
Russia ‘destroying everything’ in Ukraine’s Bakhmut, Zelensky saysIn Kyiv visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen promises more aid, says ‘America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes’
Read more »
Blue Jays hire former Astros GM James Click as vice-president of baseball strategyA statement from the Blue Jays said that James Click will work closely with Toronto general manager Ross Atkins
Read more »