Ukrainian defenders oust Russian forces from some positions in Bakhmut – Ukraine general

A top Ukrainian general said Monday that Ukrainian counterattacks have driven Russian soldiers from certain locations in the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut, but the situation remains “difficult”.

Over the past few months, the battle for Bakhmut has become the fulcrum of a conflict that has seen little frontline movement since late last year, leaving both sides looking for a breakthrough.

“The situation is quite difficult,” stated ground troops commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi on Telegram.

“In some parts of the city, our units counterattacked the enemy and left some positions.”

The military said Syrskyi made the statements when visiting front-line troops on Sunday.

He said more Russian soldiers, including paratroopers and Wagner mercenaries, were “constantly thrown into battle” despite huge losses.

“But the enemy is unable to take control of the city,” Syrskyi remarked.

On Sunday, a Ukrainian military official claimed defenders could still receive food, ammo, and medication despite Russian advances in Bakhmut.

On Monday, Ukraine reported repelling over 36 enemy attacks on the eastern frontline from Bakhmut to Maryinka, west of Donetsk.

Kyiv is prepared to launch a widely expected counteroffensive to reclaim large areas of eastern and southern Ukraine that Russian forces took 15 months ago during the “special military operation” invasion.