Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed with Armed Forces Commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi over how to handle the situation in Bakhmut, the hottest spot on the front with the Russians. This was reported by German newspaper Bild, citing anonymous sources “within the political leadership” in Kiev. Shortly after the publication of the news, the Ukrainian presidency released a note in which it announced that Zelensky had discussed the situation in Bakhmut with the main military commanders, who “supported the continuation of the defense of the city”.
Zaluzhnyi and Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, “demonstrated themselves in favor of the continuation of the defensive operation and the reinforcement of the Ukrainian positions in Bakhmut”, reads the note, while rumors have been circulating for days according to which the forces of Kiev could withdraw from the city. Intense fighting in and around Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine is causing serious difficulties for both sides, which appear to be facing ammunition shortages and mounting casualties.
The head of the Wagner mercenary group leading the Russian offensive, Evgheni Prigozhin, said in a video released on Saturday that a withdrawal of his men would result in the collapse of the entire front. Thousands of people were killed and wounded in the battle for Bakhmut, with many buildings completely charred, collapsed or missing windows. The few thousand civilians still present have been confined to basements without running water, electricity or gas for months. A year after it started, the war has stalled in this single city.
Source: IL Tempo
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
