Ukraine gains positions in battle for Bakhmut

Ukraine says its counterattacks have ousted Russian forces from some positions in the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut.

“The situation is quite difficult…At the same time, in certain parts of the city, the enemy was counterattacked by our units and left some positions.” Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of ground forces, said in a statement on Telegram.

Syrskyi added that new Russian units, including paratroopers and fighters from the Wagner mercenary group, were being “constantly thrown into battle” despite taking heavy losses.

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

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During the past few months the battle for Bakhmut has become the fulcrum of a conflict that has seen little shift in front lines since late last year, leaving both sides looking for a breakthrough.

Russian forces have steadily made incremental gains in Bakhmut, but a Ukrainian military spokesman said on Sunday it was still possible to supply the defenders with food, ammunition and medicine.

Ukraine said on Monday its forces had repelled more than 36 enemy attacks on the part of the eastern frontline that stretches from Bakhmut to Maryinka, just west of Donetsk.

Kyiv is preparing to mount a widely expected counteroffensive to retake swathes of territory in the east and south that was occupied by Russian forces following the invasion.

Zainab Sa’id