Russian forces are concentrating their offensive on Bakhmut with the goal of retaking Donetsk, a key stronghold in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian military said.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced in a statement yesterday (31st) that Bahmut was again attacked by Russian forces following Klishchivka and Kurdumivka, the southern entry routes to Bahmut.
Ukrainian forces also reported that Russian forces attempted to advance near the village of Liman, north of Donetsk, which was recaptured in October last year.
Bakhmut, which is only 150 kilometers from the border with Russia, is a stronghold for the occupation of the Donbass region, which encompasses Donetsk and Luhansk, and Russia’s recent offensive is focused on this region.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international human rights watchdog, yesterday called on Ukraine to investigate allegations that Ukrainian forces used thousands of rocket-launched anti-personnel mines in the eastern provinces.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the US plans to provide $2 billion in additional military aid to Ukraine.
The aid will include long-range rockets for the first time, as well as Patriot air defense systems and Javelin anti-tank weapons, Reuters reported yesterday (31st) citing multiple US officials.
The U.S. aid will also include a ground-launched small caliber bomb (GLSDB) with a range of 150 km, a drone interception system, and a small Puma drone, the news agency said.
The United States has provided about $27.2 billion in security aid to Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February last year.
VOA News
*This article was sourced from Reuters.
