Ukrainian forces have been able to capture more than 10 Russian positions near Bakhmut, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said in a Telegram post on Sunday.
“Today our units captured more than 10 enemy positions in the north and south of Bakhmut’s outskirts and cleared a large area of forest near Ivanivske,” Maliar said.
The minister also noted Ukraine “continues to move forward in the suburbs of Bakhmut.”
Maliar called the situation in Bakhmut “very hot.”
“The enemy has gathered all its forces there and is trying to advance, destroying everything in its path. Fierce fighting continues,” she added.
Some background: Bakhmut is the site of a months-long assault by Russian forces, including Wagner mercenaries, that has driven thousands from their homes and left the area devastated. But despite the vast amounts of manpower Russia has poured into capturing the city, they have been unable to take total control, and last week suffered heavy losses in the area.
CNN had previously reported that Ukrainian forces have been able to push the Russians back 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) around the eastern city of Bakhmut over the past week, Maliar said Friday.
CNN’s Vasco Cotovio and Olga Voitovych contributed to this post.
Zelensky says Ukraine and its allies can make Russia’s defeat “irreversible”
From CNN’s Sugam Pokharel
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Ukraine and its allies can make Russia’s defeat “irreversible” this year.
“Now is the time for us to determine the end of this war this year. This year we can make the aggressor’s defeat irreversible,” he said at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
“The time for action is now. We all want this war to finally end, but to end in a just and fair peace. Ukraine and the whole of Europe must be free. Our territorial integrity and security, as well as the territorial integrity and security of all European nations, must be guaranteed.”
Zelensky said he would talk to Scholz about his quest for fighter jets, while admitting that “it’s not an easy question.” He said Ukraine is working to create a “fighter jet coalition” and is asking Germany to join.
In March, Poland became the first NATO member to pledge MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. Slovakia completed the transfer of its 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in April.
Zelensky on Sunday also thanked Germany for providing Ukraine with defense and financial support.
“German assistance is the protection of life,” Zelensky said. “The lives of our people in cities and villages, which are reliably protected, in particular, by the air defense systems you have provided. The lives of our soldiers on the battlefield, which are protected by the armored vehicles you have provided. Social life in Ukraine, which is protected by your financial support.”
Fuente: CNN, EEUU
