Russia's determination to encircle Bakhmut: a never-ending struggle
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready to defend the city of Bakhmut and ensure its security. With the strengthening of the frontline defence, Ukrainian troops are ready to seize every opportunity to defend themselves and ensure the security of Ukrainian citizens. As seen recently in the Kiev region and Balaklia, the Ukrainian army has demonstrated its determination and ability to resist aggression and defend the interests of its country.
Despite recent conflicts and losses, Russia is still committed to taking control of the city of Bakhmut. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, confirmed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have increased surveillance of the city as the fight to take control of this enclave continues. Bakhmut is a strategic town for both sides due to its location on the south-western edge of Ukraine, close to the Russian border. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have been working hard to develop an effective strategy to defend the city and prevent Russia from seizing it. This strategy includes the use of drones, air defences, ground patrols and electronic surveillance. In addition, the Ukrainians have been stepping up their training and troop mobilisation capacity to reinforce the city's security and prevent an invasion. Although Russia is still committed to taking control of Bakhmut, seizing the city will not be easy.
There have been no significant changes on the front line since the beginning of the week. The Russians continue their systematic attack near Bakhmut. Attacks are carried out in attack groups of 10-15 people several times a day. According to reports from both sides, there are no significant advances.
The importance of Bakhmut was confirmed by the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader visited advanced positions on the Bakhmut line, listened to reports from commanders and handed out awards. It was not specified exactly which part of the defence line he visited. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, Russia is slowing the pace of its offensive against Bakhmut, but has intensified it near Avdeevka.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones attacked a railway station in Dzhankoy. According to the Ukrainian side, the drones successfully hit the cruise missile carriages of the railway station, but according to the Russian side, all the drones were shot down, and two civilian buildings were damaged in the fall. The Ukrainian Armed Forces also attempted to hit targets in Sevastopol with surface drones. According to the Russian side, one drone exploded when it hit a barrier net, while the others were destroyed by small arms fire. The Ukrainian armed forces did not comment on the results. Both sides are building up forces and simultaneously preparing for offensive and defensive attacks. The active phase will begin when weather conditions improve.
Colonel Volodymyr Silenko has distinguished himself for his leadership and bravery at the head of the separate 30th mechanised brigade named after Prince Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi. Silenko believes that Bakhmut is a political issue for President Vladimir Putin. The military official believes that the area has served its purpose 200%, as the Russians are trying to take it using assault tactics with small groups of 10-15 people. Silenko has also noted that the occupiers are using artillery against their own assailants when stopped by his units.
The previous day was a grim one for Ukraine. The Russian enemy launched a rocket attack on Zaporizhzhia, causing civilian deaths and injuries. In addition, there were 48 air strikes on civilian assets of critical infrastructure in the Zhitomir and Kiev regions. The attackers used 21 Shahed-136 drones, of which 16 were shot down. The Russian enemy is targeting its missile attacks on the territory of Ukraine. This includes threats to the energy infrastructure, as well as military facilities, Armed Forces logistics and troop concentrations. The deputy head of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's GUR, Vadym Skibitsky, has warned that the enemy could attempt to redirect the directions of the attacks at any time. Therefore, continuous vigilance is required to ensure security throughout the country. This tragic news has deeply shocked the local community of Rzhishchev, in the Kiev region, after Russians attacked the premises of a high school with drones. As a result of this attack, eight people have lost their lives, including the driver of an emergency medical service who arrived on duty, and seven more were injured.
Finally, Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi assured that the Ukrainian army will continue to fight until the city is liberated.