Ukraine Hails ‘First Success’ of Advance Around Bakhmut

A top Ukrainian commander has hailed the “first success” of the operation to retake ground in the Bakhmut sector, saying the last few days “have shown that we can move forward and destroy the enemy even in such extremely difficult conditions.” 

Speaking on Monday morning, the Commander of Ukrainian Ground Forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky, said: “The advance of our troops in the Bakhmut direction is the first success of the offensive in the course of the operation to defend Bakhmut.

“We are fighting with fewer resources than the enemy. At the same time, we manage to destroy its plans, all thanks to our soldiers who are fighting the aggressor, overcoming the highest limit of human capabilities.”

On Sunday evening, Ukraine said it had captured more than ten Russian positions on the outskirts of the frontline city, but Syrsky stressed this was only a "partial success,” adding: “That is how it should be perceived. The operation to defend Bakhmut continues.

“All decisions necessary for defense have been made. My commanders and I have worked out all possible scenarios directly on the battlefield.”

Ukrainian troops have made advances in the Bakhmut area several days in a row, despite the continuing, challenging conditions.

"Things are difficult in Bakhmut and the surrounding area. It is tough. Against all odds, our troops managed to advance for several days. Thanks to the superpowers and professionalism of our military," Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said.

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According to Maliar, the Russians' goal [the capture of Bakhmut] remains unchanged.

"They are moving their air assault units to the outskirts of Bakhmut. Heavy fighting continues. The defense of Bakhmut continues," she added.

Elsewhere, the head of the Wagner mercenary group offered to reveal the positions of Russian troops to the Ukrainian government, according to a new report.

The Washington Post, citing leaked documents, said that in January Yevgeny Prigozhin had offered the information in exchange for Ukraine withdrawing its soldiers from the besieged city of Bakhmut.

Prigozhin’s Wagner mercenary group has been leading the assault for the city for months now and has suffered huge casualties in the process.