Ukrainian soldiers in Artemivsk (Ukrainian name Bakhmut) have reported a worsening situation as Russian troops apply pressure and continue to try to capture the city. This was reported on February 28 by the American TV channel. CNN.
“The situation in Bakhmut is now very difficult. Much worse than officially reported,” one of the servicemen said on condition of anonymity.
At the same time, he denied allegations that Ukrainian forces were cut off from access to supplies in Artyomovsk. At the same time, despite the difficulties, he said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would protect the city for as long as possible.
“We all understand that we are holding out and dying to buy time for a counteroffensive in the spring. <…> We cannot surrender every city without a fight,” he said.
Another soldier also pointed out that it was very difficult to defend Artemovsk. Another soldier called the battles for the city hellish.
Earlier on the same day, the Ukrainian publication Obozrevatel, citing the head of one of the medical services, wrote that the number of wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Artemivsk had increased significantly in recent days.
The day before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called the situation near Artemivsk permanently difficult.
Also on February 27, the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, said that Russian forces control almost all roads to the city of Artemovsk.
The special operation to protect Donbass, which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was made against the background of the aggravation of the situation in the region due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.