KYIV: At least five people were killed and 15 wounded on Friday when a residential building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk was hit by Russian shelling, according to the governor of the Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko.
The attack also left seven people missing, including a child, with a possibility that they may be buried under the rubble.
Meanwhile, the fighting in Bakhmut, the frontline hotspot, has intensified as Russian forces, supported by the Wagner paramilitary outfit and Moscow’s air force, push to take control of the western districts of the city. This has become the longest and bloodiest battle since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago.
On Thursday, Russia claimed to have cut off Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, but Kyiv denied the claim, stating that it had access to its forces and was able to send in munitions.
Russian forces in difficult position in Bakhmut
Ukrainian sources near Bakhmut confirmed on Friday that Kyiv’s forces were in a “difficult” position, with many soldiers missing and positions lost.
Despite the difficult situation, Ukraine has vowed to continue defending Bakhmut and is bringing in fresh troops to support the ongoing fight.
However, an intelligence source warned that any pull-out from Bakhmut city would be slow and gradual, as there is only a narrow escape path left.
The latest escalation in fighting highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
The situation remains highly tense, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire, and the risk of further violence remains high.
