Ukrainian forces are still trying to hold onto their positions in war-torn Bakhmut as the Russian army continues its offensive to break through the defense lines, the news agency reports. Reuters.
If Russia succeeds in capturing Bakhmut, it could become a stepping stone to gain control over the entire Donbass region, while Ukraine has indicated that the city is of little strategic importance.
Not everyone is convinced that it will be possible to keep Bakhmut indefinitely. Serhiy Rachmanin, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, said on radio NV on Wednesday, March 1, evening: «I think that sooner or later we will have to leave Bakhmut. There is no point in staying there at all costs. However, at the moment, Bakhmut is being used primarily in order to cause maximum losses to the Russian army and to use up its ammunition and resources.» He added that no line of defense should simply collapse:
“There are two ways to do it – an organized retreat or a simple escape. We must not allow escape under any circumstances.»
The battles for Bahmut started already seven months ago, but the intensive attacks of the occupiers in recent weeks have left the defenders with only one way of retreat – westward. Oleh Zhdanov, a Ukrainian military expert and reserve colonel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stated that there is a risk that the Ukrainians will be encircled: «The enemy is trying to cut off the roads that are used to supply our forces in Bakhmut. Russia cannot take Bakhmut by fighting or attacking directly. The only way they can take the city is to besiege it.” Zhdanov described the process in the Russian ranks as a conveyor belt – heavy trucks bring soldiers and the same trucks take away the wounded, and this is repeated continuously, around the clock.
Thousands of civilians remain in Bakhmut.
On the evening of March 1, the Ukrainian army reported that the Russians were continuously attacking Bakhmut, however, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said that Ukrainian forces were in control of every section of the front line.
The occupying army has made preparations for new attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. It is reported that more than 40 settlements were shelled.
In Ukraine, March 1 is traditionally considered the beginning of spring and it also means that the frozen ground thaws and the roads are covered with mud, and Ukrainians call it “roadless”. Historically, these conditions are associated with the defeat of many armies.
Zelensky said: «Winter is over. It was very difficult, and it is no exaggeration to say that every resident of Ukraine felt the difficulties. However, we managed to provide Ukraine with electricity and heating. Threats to the power system remain. Work continues to enable it to function.»
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