Zelensky says that Ukraine will protect Bakhmut from Russia within reason – #Zelensky #Ukraine #protect #Bakhmut #Russia #reason
February 19 (Reuters) – President Vladimir Zelensky in an interview published on Sunday of Ukraine given the price paid in human life, he said he would hold the eastern city of Bakhmut for months.
The Italian Corriere della Sera newspaper quoted Zelensky as saying that Kiev’s outnumbered forces completely destroyed the eastern part of the city as a result of Russian fire. Ukraine There are discussions about whether to stay in the city or not.
Bakhmut, located in the front-line Donetsk region, had a population of 70,000 before the war, but now Ukraine according to officials’ calculations, less than 5 thousand civilians remained.
“Yeah, it’s not a big city. In fact, like many others in Donbas, it was destroyed by the Russians. It is important for us to defend it, but not at any cost and not for all to die. “Zelensky told the newspaper.
Analysts say the city has more symbolic than strategic value as a gateway to cities further west in Donetsk Oblast.
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Zelensky said Russian commanders were planning to advance to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, further west in Donetsk Oblast, and “as far as (the central city of) Dnieper”.
“We will resist and in the meantime prepare for the next counterattack.”
Russia It launched its invasion a year ago this week and, after initially failing to advance towards the capital, Kiev, has focused on securing control of Donbas, which includes the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Russia forces besieged Bakhmut after capturing two major cities in the north since July.
Russian troops, led by Russia’s Wagner Group mercenaries, have made increasing gains in nearby villages, and fighting has engulfed its northern districts in the past few days.
But Ukrainian military analysts say that the city is protected by river and forested areas Russia is of great importance in suppressing the invading forces.
of Ukraine Information Resistance analytical center military analyst Oleksandr Kovaleno nv.ua news said to his website that “Currently Ukraine there is no reason for its soldiers to leave Bakhmut. The city is not besieged.”
“Bakhmut plays an important role — it serves as a trap. Nine months have dawned on the resources and means of the Russian occupation forces, and they have been killed in large numbers. It should be regarded as a fortress and not as a fortress. trap.”
Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro and Ronald Popeski; Written by Ron Popeski; Edited by Lydia Kelly and Lisa Shumaker
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
2023-02-20 09:42:29
Source – reuters
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