Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are set to launch a major counteroffensive against Vladimir Putin’s army in the eastern city of Bakhmut.
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Fighting in the 70,000-person city – which is on the edge of the contested Donbas region – has intensified again after Russian forces took control in August last year.
But Putin’s forces have failed to advance beyond the city, with brave Ukrainian defences holding strong.
Ukraine’s ground force commander Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi said his soldiers had successfully withstood Russia’s winter bombardment and were ready to retake lost ground.
The military official said: “Very soon, we will take advantage of this opportunity, as we did in the past near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Balakliia and Kupiansk.”
He added Russian forces were “losing considerable strength and running out of steam”.
More than 90% of Bakhmut’s residents have fled their homes after thousands of residential buildings were destroyed by Russian missiles.
It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky handed out medals to servicemen – adding: “We are now at the decisive stage of the struggle for our independence.
“We must do everything to speed up our victory.”
The wartime leader, 45, took part in the celebrations marking the 9th anniversary of the National Guard of Ukraine.
He told decorated soldiers: “Protecting the honor of Ukraine is your path”.
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