Defending Bakhmut: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country’s top military commanders have vowed to defend Bakhmut despite the “constant attacks” from Russia. Russia is hoping to make its first major wartime gain in more than half a year by capturing Bakhmut. It also aims to seize the full territory of the surrounding Donbas region.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces reported on Monday that Bakhmut and surrounding areas were under “constant attacks” as “the enemy takes no account of losses.”
Commanders to strengthen defences
During his address in the night, Zelenskyy said the commander of the regional grouping and Ukraine’s commander in chief both told him that they will not withdraw their forces from the area and will strengthen defences. “I told the commander in chief to find the appropriate forces to help our guys in Bakhmut,” Zelenskyy said, according to reports.
Reports further added that thousands of shells are fired from both sides every day along the eastern and southern fronts. Kyiv’s European allies are working on a deal to procure more ammunition.
On the other hand, the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary force, which is leading the Bakhmut assault, has sought more ammunition, reinforcements and covering support from the regular army to win the battle.
‘Ministry not sending enough ammunition’
Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin’s appeal came amid an ongoing tussle between him and the Russian defence ministry. He had earlier accused the ministry of deliberately not sending enough ammunition, but the ministry had denied it.
In a statement, he said, “If everyone is coordinated, without ambition, screw-ups and tantrums, and carries out this work, then we will block the armed forces of Ukraine. If not, then everyone will be screwed.”
Meanwhile, as Bakhmut becomes the site of some of the bloodiest fighting since the war started more than a year ago, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said for the Russians, winning Bakhmut is “more of a symbolic value than it is strategic and operational value”.
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