Situation in Bakhmut: Armed Forces of Ukraine seize initiative, try to counterattack

Serhiy Cherevaty, the spokesman for the Eastern Group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said during the United News telethon that the situation in this direction is very difficult, the enemy focuses its efforts on battles in the city, but the Ukrainian military controls the situation and outpaces the enemy's actions.

"I can say that there is a certain element of that we seize the initiative from them and try to counterattack," Cherevaty said.

"Bakhmut remains a priority target for the enemy, they continue to conduct offensive operations there. During the day, there have been 10 combat engagements, the enemy has hit our positions 277 times with different types and calibers of artillery and launched nine air raids. A total of 141 occupiers have been killed, 220 – wounded, and one – captured. An enemy tank, an IFV, an armored vehicle, three mortars, four Orlan UAVs, one Zala UAV, and three ammunition depots have been also destroyed," the spokesman said.

According to him, the Russian troops continue to assault Bakhmut, but the Ukrainian units have managed to advance up to 500 meters in different sections.

"Our units on the flanks, where there is an opportunity, put pressure on the enemy and continue to advance. In particular, during the day, our units have managed to advance up to 500 meters in different sections," said Cherevaty.

He also denied Russian media reports about Russia’s alleged complete capture of the city.

"They are spreading fakes, saying that Bakhmut has allegedly fallen, that they have entered all its territories. This is not true. To date, we hold the southwestern part of the city, our defenders are reliably stationed there and carry out a combat mission as long as the command considers it appropriate, as long as it inflicts the utmost damage to the enemy and allows us to preserve our forces and means and prevent large casualties," Cherevaty said.