In a remarkable development, the head of the pro-Russian Donetsk region, Vitaly Khutsenko, announced today (Thursday) that the complete encirclement of the strategic city is very close. He said, in a briefing via Telegram, that the Russian forces are advancing in the region to a large extent.
This announcement coincided with Ukraine's recognition of the Russian progress, as Kiev announced that the Russian forces had made some gains inside Bakhmut, east of the country, but pointed out that Moscow had reaped its recent gains at a heavy price in lives, amid hinting at the possibility of launching a counterattack.
These developments came in the wake of fierce fighting taking place in Bakhmut, that small city in eastern Ukraine, which Russia has been targeting for months to control.
Several weeks ago, Bakhmut turned into an arena for the fiercest battles, while most of its inhabitants deserted it. Especially since Moscow is clinging to its control, considering that achieving this goal will create a gap in the Ukrainian defences.
The Russian access to the city is a step towards seizing the entire industrial Donbass region, which has been a major target for Russian forces since the start of the war on February 24 of last year.
Bakhmut is the focus of fierce fighting between the two parties to the conflict in Ukraine, as the two sides are desperate to achieve the greatest progress on its territory.
Okaz (Moscow) @okaz_online