Ukrainian forces have reportedly pushed Russian troops out of some positions in Bakhmut during intense battles, according to Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian commander of ground forces.
The White House estimates that over 20,000 Russian fighters have been killed in Ukraine since December, with the conflict escalating in recent months.
Syrskyi stated that the situation in Bakhmut is difficult, but Ukrainian units have managed to counterattack the enemy in some parts of the city, forcing them to retreat. The 10-month-long battle for the eastern Ukrainian city has become a symbolic focal point for both sides, with front lines remaining relatively stable since late 2022.
The White House revealed that Russia has depleted its military stockpiles, with around 100,000 Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine over the past five months. Half of the 20,000 fatalities are believed to be from the Wagner Group.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, stated on Telegram that his fighters require 300 tonnes of artillery shells daily for the assault on Bakhmut, but are only receiving a third of that amount.
Prigozhin, who has clashed with Russia’s defense establishment over the conduct of the war in Ukraine, noted that the requested amount is equivalent to just 10 cargo containers.
In a separate post, Prigozhin reported that his troops had advanced approximately 120 meters (400 feet) into Bakhmut at the cost of 86 fighters. Syrskyi added that despite the heavy losses, Russia continues to deploy new units to battle for Bakhmut, but has been unable to gain control of the city.
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