The Ukrainian army claimed on Monday it had achieved “an initial success” in its offensive in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, which is fighting the longest battle since the 2022 Russian invasion.
“The advance of troops in the Bakhmut zone is the first success of the offensive” aimed at defending the city that Russian troops have been trying to take since summer last year, said the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces, Oleksandr. Syrsky.
Syrsky’s statement was released by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
General Syrsky: The Advance of the Armed Forces of #Ukraine near #Bakhmut is the first success of the counter-offensive operations. pic.twitter.com/5slpt4m2D5
– NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 15, 2023
Information about the “success” of the campaign has not yet been verified by independent sources.
Earlier, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar claimed that Kiev troops had been “advancing for several days” towards Bakhmut.
“The heavy fighting continues. The defense of Bakhmut continues,” Malyar said via a message on Telegram’s digital system.
Russian forces continue to maintain control over “most of the city”, but over the weekend Ukrainian forces claimed the recapture of 17 square kilometers in the Bakhmut area.
The information released by Kiev about the military situation in Bakhmut comes at the same time that the Ukrainian head of state announced via the social network Twitter that he will meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London after his trip to Rome, Berlin. and Paris.
Today – London. The UK is leading the way when it comes to expanding our capabilities on the ground and in the air. This collaboration continues today. I will meet my friend Rishi. We conduct substantive face-to-face negotiations and in delegations.
– Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 15, 2023
The United Kingdom is one of the countries that provides the most resources to Ukraine’s land and air forces.
Source: DN
