In the past few days, the Ukrainian army has retaken around 20 square kilometres of territory from invading Russian forces on the outskirts of the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut.
“Within a few days, our troops liberated around 20 square kilometres of suburbs north and south of Bakhmut from enemy forces,” Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defence Hanna Maliar, announced on Telegram. “At the same time, the enemy is advancing somewhat in Bakhmut itself, completely destroying the city with artillery.”
Russia is reportedly deploying elite forces and paratrooper units to attempt to seize the centre of the city. Bakhmut has been a centre in some of the most important fighting in Ukraine’s strategic Donbas area.
Invading forces have used human wave tactics, particularly employing mercenaries from the private mercenary group Wagner, in their attempts to seize the city, which began last year.
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Heavy fighting continues to rage in the city and surrounding areas. Maliar said that the battles were producing “varying results.”
The minister also called for the gains to be taken into context, noting that the gains were still part of a “defensive operation” to repel Russian forces around the city.
“Our troops are doing their best and even more. The fact that the defence of Bakhmut has lasted for so many months, and that there are advances in certain areas, is down to the strength of our fighters… I will remind you that the enemy has an advantage in the number of people and weapons,” she wrote.
