The situation is becoming increasingly difficult as Russian forces advance gradually north and west of Bakhmut, a fierce battleground in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian side said on the 27th.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a regular video address that day that “the situation in Bahmut is becoming increasingly difficult” and that “we are in constant contact with our commanders.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation in the East, especially in the Donetsk region,” Zelensky said.
Military leaders are also testifying to this situation.
“The situation in all directions in Bahmut is difficult,” Ukrainian ground forces commander Oleksandr Shirsky said in a post on social media that day.
“The situation on the northern flank in particular is extremely difficult,” he said, “and there is constant enemy attack there.”
“They (Russian forces) are trying to cut off one of the roads,” he added.
“We don’t have enough means to attack,” he said, “and we don’t have enough shells and we don’t have enough grenade launchers.”
■ “Started with Iranian Drone Attack”
President Zelensky said in a speech that day, “Today started with an Iranian drone strike,” adding, “We shot down 11 out of 14 aircraft, but unfortunately they were hit and there were casualties.”
“This is why we need modern fighters,” he repeatedly appealed to the West for fighter support.
In particular, President Zelensky said, “In order to protect the entire territory, modern fighters are needed.”
“Our warriors defending the Bahmut region are true heroes,” he said. “I am grateful to each and every one of them.”
Bakhmut is a key stronghold in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, and is evaluated as a stepping stone for dominating the entire Donbass, including Luhansk.
Donbass region, eastern Ukraine, encompassing Donetsk and Luhansk
The Russian military and the ‘Wagner’ mercenary group are claiming that they have occupied key strongholds while deploying tactics focused on expanding artillery fire on the Eastern Front, including Bahmut.
Intense infantry fighting is also taking place between the Ukrainian and Russian forces.
This is VOA News Jongsu Oh.