KYIV: A senior Ukrainian military official announced on Wednesday that Russian forces were retreating from certain areas near Bakhmut after facing limited counter attacks by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing battle of Moscow’s invasion.
Commander of Ukrainian ground forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, revealed that Russian troops had pulled back in some regions of the front in the eastern Donetsk region by approximately two kilometers (around one mile).
“We are witnessing the results of our units’ effective actions,” stated Syrskyi, highlighting that Ukrainian forces were launching counter attacks along specific sections of the contact line surrounding Bakhmut.
He further added, “In certain areas of the front, the enemy was unable to withstand the onslaught of Ukrainian defenders and retreated up to two kilometers.”
Russian troops battle for Bakhmut
Russian troops have been engaged in a battle to capture Bakhmut since last summer, with its political significance now surpassing its strategic value.
However, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, which is leading the Kremlin’s offensive for the city, has publicly complained to Moscow about the lack of resources to hold their positions.
Founder of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, issued a threat this week to withdraw his forces from the city unless the defense ministry provided additional ammunition supplies.
“Our defense forces are holding the front line and preventing the enemy from advancing. The battle for Bakhmut continues,” affirmed Syrskyi in a statement posted on social media.
Bakhmut, previously home to approximately 70,000 people, has been devastated as Russian forces have gradually gained ground over recent months, resulting in the capture of approximately 80 percent of the city.
