Syrskyi about counteroffensive: Recapturing Bakhmut is a matter of honor

Ukrinform reports this with reference to BBC.

“We'd like to get very fast results, but in reality it's practically impossible," says Syrskyi, who coordinate’s Ukraine's offensive in the east.

It is noted that Syrskyi led the defence of Kyiv at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. He was the mastermind behind Ukraine's surprise and successful counter-attack in Kharkiv last summer. Now, he is head of military operations in eastern Ukraine - one of the two main axes in Ukraine's counter-offensive.

Syrskyi admits that, more than a month since it started, Ukraine's long-awaited offensive on multiple fronts is going slower than many had hoped.

According to him, in the east, just like the south, the area is saturated with mines and defensive barriers. The Russians, he says, have many strongholds.

"Therefore, our advances are really not going as fast as we would like,” Syrskyi said.

He also noted that he sleeps for just four-and-a-half hours a night.

To the south and north of Bakhmut, Ukraine says it has retaken nearly 30 sq km (about 12 sq miles) of territory from the Russians.

For him recapturing Bakhmut is also "a matter of honour": "We lost many of our brothers, our servicemen, when we were defending Bakhmut… therefore we simply have to return it."

Ukraine's deputy Defence minister, Hanna Maliar, told BBC that Russian forces in the city would soon be trapped.

Syrskyi confirmed that US cluster munitions had now arrived in Ukraine and would be ready to use within days.

The general says the city's recapture would have more than just symbolic value. He argues Bakhmut is also of strategic importance - as the gateway to other key cities in the region.

"Our people wait for victories. They need small victories,” Syrskyi said.

As reported, the commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said that the situation on the eastern part of the front is difficult, but under control.

Russian troops intensified their offensive in the Kupiansk direction in an effort to draw Ukrainian reserves away from the Bakhmut direction.