Serhiy Cherevaty, spokesman for the eastern bloc of Ukraine’s armed forces, said on state television Sunday that the fighting in the eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut was “the toughest battle because you are so close to the enemy”.
“But the supply lines are still open and the Ukrainian army is holding their ground,” he said.
Wagnerian mercenary fighters were “most aggressive in the Bakhmut direction,” he said, but Russian paratroopers and infantry were also fighting in Bakhmut and the area. “The Russians still have a significant advantage in artillery in key areas,” he said.
“We are providing ammunition, food and supplies to Bahmut and transporting the wounded,” Cherewati said.
Moscow’s latest push: Russian military continues push for ‘full control’ of Bakhmut, Ukraine’s military says in the latest operational update on Sunday morning.
Unofficial reports suggest that Russian forces are slowly advancing through central Bakhmut and into the west of the city, with the train station likely to be the next key target.
Yuriy Syrotyuk, a grenade launcher for the Ukrainian military, said in an interview on state television on Sunday that the situation in Bakhmut was “really difficult” for Kiev’s army because they were outnumbered by Russian troops and Wagner warrior.
“Bakhmut is standing; there are supplies,” but “the Russians outnumber us and have more ammunition,” Syrotyuk said.
“Bahmut is hell. We are currently in control of the right flank of the city defense. The enemy artillery is firing non-stop, as well as (multiple rocket launcher fire) and aviation,” he said.
“It’s really hard now because the Russian artillery and tanks have stopped very close and they’re trying to shoot at everything. (Enemy) paratroopers with weapons have arrived. Unfortunately, the enemy has no weapons. In Bakhmut, they don’t lack of personnel or ammunition,” he added.
The Russian offensive on the city’s south side has weakened, “that’s why they’re trying to attack through the city front,” Syrotyuk said. Russia has moved its artillery and rocket launchers within the city’s boundaries.
“The enemy is destroying everything and going through the ruins,” but the supply road to Bakhmut is clear, Syrotyuk said.
“I was in the southern outskirts of Bakhmut this morning. We left. Yes, the enemy is shelling the roads, yes, it’s dangerous. But, there are supplies, the defense is well organized, there’s even a rotation. Look, we were able to leave, wash up , and will be back,” he added, noting that he had taken a short break from fighting to rest and attend interviews.