The Ukrainian presidency guaranteed on Monday that it will strengthen its positions in Bakhmut, the epicenter of fighting with Russian troops, amid speculation about a possible withdrawal of forces commanded by Kiev.
After a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces demonstrated “for the continuation of the defensive operation and reinforcement of the positions in Bakhmut,” the Ukrainian presidency announced.
Since the summer of 2022, Russia has been trying to conquer Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine that had a population of about 70,000 before the Russian invasion a year ago.
Russian troops have advanced in the region in recent days and threatened to encircle it, but the Ukrainians continue to defend the region.
On Sunday, the Institute for the Study of War, a group that brings together US experts, said Ukrainian troops “likely to prepare a limited tactical withdrawal” in Bakhmut.
“Ukrainian troops are unlikely to withdraw from Bakhmut all at once, and it is possible that they will withdraw gradually as they fight, exhausting Russian troops with urban fighting.”predicted the Institute in its Sunday report.
The head of Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose men are leading the battle for Bakhmut, also complained again on Sunday about a lack of ammunition, alleged delays in deliveries and admitted acts of sabotage.
Source: DN
