Ukraine asserted that they had determined that a soldier, who had been missing from the region, had been killed in a video that caused a strong reaction on social media. At the same time, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was traveling to Kyiv for negotiations.
In the video, it appears that a Ukrainian soldier who had been taken prisoner was standing in a shallow trench, smoking a cigarette, and then, after uttering the phrase “Glory to Ukraine,” was shot.
It appears that Russia is determined to take control of the city under any circumstances.
At a televised gathering on Tuesday, Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu declared that seizing control of Bakhmut will enable further offensive maneuvers to penetrate the defensive lines of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner, the Russian mercenary group spearheading the attack on Bakhmut, made a jab at Shoigu, claiming he had “not seen him” on the battleground. This statement reflects the rift between Prigozhin and Russia’s military leadership.
‘Be steadfast’
In an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy expressed his determination that the military would remain in Bakhmut.
Zelensky says he does not intend to order the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Bakhmut.
The city is going to fall, but I guess he is following Lindsey Graham's advice—fight to the last man.https://t.co/DfCJr1HWjf
— Hassan Mafi (@thatdayin1992) March 7, 2023
At the meeting with the chief of staff and the military commanders held yesterday, virtually and in person, the president declared that they must remain resolute in Bakhmut.
He noted that tending to our servicemen and women is a priority and that we should take whatever steps are needed to obtain weapons and supplies for the upcoming counteroffensive.
Prigozhin claimed that roughly 12,000 and 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers were still standing their ground in the city.
He asserted that, while the fighting is intense day and night, the Ukrainian troops refuse to retreat.
This week, Poland, an enduring ally of Ukraine, will ship ten Leopard tanks, providing a much-needed lift to the latter’s spirits on Tuesday.
Both sides have reported that the battle at Bakhmut involved a considerable loss of troops, though neither has publicly specified the exact number.
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