Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar also said on Monday evening that Russia was pursuing “tactics of attrition and total destruction” against the Ukrainian troops in Bahmut. The Ukrainians would have to defend themselves against a numerically superior enemy.
Image: DIMITAR DILKOFF (AFP)
“The situation is getting more and more complicated in the direction of Bahmut,” said Zelenskyj in his evening video address. He linked this to a request for more arms deliveries, including for better anti-aircraft defense, including combat aircraft. “The enemy is constantly destroying everything that can serve to defend our positions, to fortify and defend them,” Zelenskyy said of the fighting in Bahmut. He called the Ukrainian soldiers who have been defending the city in Donbass for six months “true heroes”.
Bild: GENYA SAVILOV (AFP)
Just one more road to retreat
The Ukrainian army defends Bahmut in a battle of attrition to tie down and inflict casualties on as many Russian troops as possible. However, the Russians are not only attacking from the east. They have also worked their way north and south of the city, leaving the Ukrainians with only one clear road for a possible retreat. In addition to regular soldiers, Russia primarily deploys the Wagner mercenary group in Bahmut and aims to wear down the Ukrainians. “The enemy army is increasing the intensity of its offensive activities,” Deputy Minister Maljar wrote on Telegram. Despite heavy losses, the enemies are in the majority. The information could not be independently verified.
Increased Russian attacks
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed intensified Russian attacks on the frontline cities in Donbass. In addition to Bahmut, the general staff’s situation report on Monday evening also mentioned attacks on Kupjansk, Liman, Avdiivka and Wuhledar in the east of the country. The attacks near Avdiivka, which is close to Donetsk, and near Wuhledar were repelled. The Russian Ministry of Defense had previously reported an increase in the offensive in the Donetsk area with artillery and airstrikes.
US Treasury Secretary Yellen met Zelenskyy during her unannounced visit to Kiev and assured him of continued US support. She announced that she would release a first tranche of US$1.2 billion (€1.14 billion) in economic aid. The US wants to help Ukraine with a total of 10 billion dollars this year. In 2022, Washington gave $13 billion. Military support is not included in the figures.
Selenskyj thanked for the support of the USA since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression. Foreign aid covers more than half of Ukraine’s state budget this year. The US also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s pledge of $400 million in aid during a visit by its foreign minister to Kiev.
