The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier that fighters from the Wagner mercenary group had captured two more areas of Bakhmut, the main target of Russia's campaign in eastern Ukraine.
Bakhmut town, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters
The Wagner mercenary group has been at the forefront of Russia's attempt to capture Bakhmut since last summer, the longest and bloodiest battle since the conflict began.
"Unprecedented bloodshed in recent decades is taking place in the Bakhmut region," said Serhiy Cherevatyi, spokesman for Ukraine's eastern military command.
The Russian Defense Ministry said Wagner units had seized two areas on the northern and southern outskirts of Bakhmut. It also said Russian paratroopers were supporting the offensive by holding back Ukrainian forces on both flanks.
The UK said in an intelligence update on Friday that Ukrainian troops had been forced to cede some territory in Bakhmut as Russia launched a fresh offensive, with heavy artillery fire over the previous two days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not mention Bakhmut in his daily online address on Saturday and reiterated his desire to join NATO as soon as possible.
Quoc Thien (according to Reuters)
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