A senior Ukrainian military official said on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 that Kiev forces had counterattacked in Bachmout, the epicenter of fighting in eastern Ukraine, forcing Russian troops to retreat in some places.
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The battle for Bakhmout, a devastated city now almost 95% controlled by Russian forces, is the longest and deadliest since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. The battle is fought by Russian troops led by fighters from the paramilitary group Wagner led , have gradually and slowly gained ground in Bachmout in recent months, Ukrainian resistance in the west of the city remains fierce.
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“We are conducting effective counterattacks. “In some areas of the front, the enemy could not resist the attack of the Ukrainian defenders and retreated to a distance of up to two kilometers.” said on Telegram Oleksandre Syrsky, commander of the ground forces of the Ukrainian army. According to him, in some places Wagner’s fighters on the ground have been replaced by Russian regular army units that are less well prepared.
Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Ganna Maliar assured on Telegram that the troops in Kiev had no troops “Not a single position lost in Bakhmout during the day” elapsed. These claims were immediately unverifiable by an independent source. “Our defense forces reliably hold the front and prevent the enemy from advancing. The fight for Bakhmout continues.” added Oleksandre Syrsky.
A major Ukrainian offensive is underway
In an open conflict with the Russian General Staff, Wagner’s boss Evguéni Prigojine on Tuesday accused soldiers of the Russian regular army of having fled their positions in Bachmout. He had repeatedly complained about a shortage of ammunition for his men, accused the Russian military hierarchy of causing the shortage on purpose, and threatened to withdraw from Bachmout if the situation was not resolved.
On Wednesday, Yevgeny Prigoyine again claimed that his men did not receive enough ammunition for the Ukrainian army to do without “Destroy Wagner” in Bachmout. “There is a serious risk that Wagner will be encircled in Bakhmout due to the failure of the flanks,” held by regular troops of the Russian army, he assured, citing his press service on Telegram. “The flanks are already cracking and breaking,” He was alarmed and accused the Russian General Staff of misconduct “Artificially Decrease Combat Potential” by Wagner from “Fear of internal competition”.
Ukraine, for its part, claims to be preparing a major counter-offensive, the first steps of which may already have begun.