The Russian army pledged to seize Bakhmout, deeming the city crucial for the continuation of its offensive despite the fierce defense of the Ukrainians. Bakhmut “is an important node (lines) of defense of Ukrainian soldiers in the Donbass“, said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. “Its capture will allow new in-depth offensive operations to be carried out“, he added during a meeting.
But Ukraine’s president told CNN his armed forces are determined to stay in Bakhmut. “I had a meeting with the Chief of Staff yesterday and the military commanders in chief […] and they all said we should stay strong in Bakhmut“, he said in this exclusive interview.
While the strategic value of Bakhmout is disputed, the city has taken on symbolic and tactical importance, given the heavy losses suffered by both sides. It is the longest and deadliest battle since the outbreak of the Russian invasion in February 2022. The city, which has just 4,000 inhabitants compared to 70,000 before the invasion, has been largely destroyed.
This Wednesday evening, the Wagner group claimed the capture of part of the city. “Wagner units took the entire eastern part of Bakhmout, everything east of the Bakhmoutka River“crossing the small town of Donbass, said in an audio message the boss of the paramilitary organization, Evguéni Prigojine.
