Ukrainian President visits special forces near Bakhmut

President Zelensky announced that he visited Ukrainian special forces operating near the front line in Bakhmut.

"I came to congratulate the soldiers at the forward base of the special forces on the Bakhmut front on the occasion of the traditional day of the force. I heard reports from the commander and talked with the servicemen," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 29.

He said he could not reveal the specific location and activities of Ukrainian special forces on the Bakhmut frontline at this time, but stressed that their mission was very important for the country.

He added that Ukrainian special forces had just helped retake control of the village of Staromaiorske on the southern front. One of the images released showed Mr Zelensky and officers looking at a battle map in a windowless room.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) looks at a map of operations in Bakhmut on July 29. Photo: Twitter/ZelenskyUA

President Zelensky said the Ukrainian government had awarded Hero medals to 17 special forces members, including 13 posthumously, since the outbreak of hostilities in February 2022.

Mr Zelensky also revealed that he had visited several towns in eastern Ukraine, including Chasiv Yar, Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka. The Ukrainian President's office added that Mr Zelensky had received reports about intelligence networks in Ukrainian territories controlled by the Russian military.

Ukraine is hoping to retake Bakhmut, after Russia took full control of the city in May. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on July 10 that Ukrainian troops had captured high ground near Bakhmut and were encircling Russian troops.

Units of the Wagner private military group, which played a leading role in the Bakhmut offensive, withdrew from the city and handed over their positions to regular Russian troops. Chechen special forces were sent to Bakhmut in early July to assist in its defense.

Ukraine's counterattacks (blue) along the front line with Russia. Graphics: WSJ

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, AFP )

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/tong-thong-ukraine-tham-dac-nhiem-gan-bakhmut-4635618.html