Moscow's units have been trying to conquer the small town of Bakhmut in the Donbass since the summer. So far, however, Kiev's armed forces have put up fierce resistance there. President Zelenskyy thanks the Ukrainian soldiers for their commitment. "Every meter counts," he told the country's defenders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that heavy fighting is continuing in the east of his country. Ten people were killed in the recent Russian attacks on the city of Kurakhove in the Donetsk region, said Zelenskyj in his video speech on Thursday night. The Russian troops "targeted normal people."
Zelenskyy said of the situation around the small town of Bakhmut, which the Russians have been trying to take for months, which is currently being particularly heavily shelled: "There is a very tough confrontation there. Every meter counts." He also thanked all Ukrainian soldiers who opposed the attackers.
Russia invaded Ukraine more than nine months ago on February 24th. Since then, according to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian army has liberated almost 1,900 towns. "Almost as many Ukrainian towns and villages are still occupied," he added.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported on Wednesday that it had repelled several Russian attacks on Bakhmut and the surrounding area. An army spokesman said Russia is losing 50 to 100 soldiers every day fighting for the city. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Kiev's troops tried unsuccessfully to recapture lost positions south of Bakhmut. The information cannot be independently verified.
Bakhmut, known for its wine production, has been the scene of fierce fighting since August. The transport hub is on a major road leading to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk - both key cities in the Donetsk region that Moscow is hoping to conquer despite minimal progress.
