Resist while possible, press the disadvantage back, push the assault until the enemy tires. A brutal battle unfolds in a city that, according to military manuals, often grants the defender the upper hand. Seven months have passed since the official start of the fighting for Bakhmut, a provincial town in eastern Ukraine that the Kremlin is determined to control as a prize. While the destruction in the city center mirrors what has happened in other so-called town martyrs of this conflict, like Mariupol, Ukrainian commanders have made clear through words and actions that withdrawal is not an option for the troops stationed there. Military estimates have suggested the Russian army may still struggle to seal the population off completely. The future remains uncertain, and U.S. officials in Washington have signaled continued Kremlin pressure aimed at erasing Ukrainian resistance and advancing the conquest of the surrounding region, despite heavy costs.
In a meaningful display of support for the defense forces, a top Ukrainian commander visited the frontline troops among the ruins and acknowledged that the threat of renewed fighting was imminent. Reports from Ukrainian military sources indicate a surge in the presence and effectiveness of foreign mercenary units rounding the area, alongside regular forces. The commander of Ukrainian ground troops emphasized that there is no order to retreat and that the defense remains in place despite the daunting situation. One high-ranking official described the overall situation on the eastern front as exceptionally severe, underscoring the intensity of the engagement. The presidential office reported that the head of state discussed the matter with the chief of staff and the ground forces commander, and both agreed to continue the defensive operations and reinforce positions around Bakhmut.
kyiv intentions
The Institute for the Study of War, in its daily front-line update, argues that it is still too early to discern Kyiv’s true strategy. It suggests that Ukrainian forces might pursue a limited offensive that would hinge on a carefully managed defense withdrawal along the western bank of the Bakhmutka river. The idea would be to split the city in two, preserving control of the central area while avoiding a full-scale evacuation of Ukrainian forces. According to the institute, a continued defense makes strategic sense for Kyiv as long as it minimizes casualties and preserves resources while continuing to challenge the enemy.
The Kyiv Independent published a series of soldier testimonies from the front, highlighting concerns about preparation and equipment for the ongoing fight. Ukrainian troops described a shortage of artillery, mortars, and drone support among some battalions, with several veterans noting that, once positioned, escape or recovery chances can be extremely slim. One soldier compared the scene to a meat grinder, underscoring the brutal reality faced by those on the line and the heavy burden carried by units under constant pressure.