Losing the city in the Donbass would be a major setback for Kiev. The surprise visit by the commander of the land forces also shows that the situation is not entirely hopeless.
Ukrainian soldiers are shooting at the Russians from a position near Bakhmut.
Since August 1 last year, Russia has unsuccessfully tried to capture Bakhmut. However, following seven months and two days, Moscow’s troops have now almost completely surrounded the defenders. Military observers speak of an “operative encirclement”. The pressure from the advancing units is particularly great in the north of the city.
