Zelensky: “Russia turned the city of Bakhmut into “burnt ruin””
Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelensky today condemned Moscow’s actions in the eastern Donbas corridor, asserting that Bakhmut has been reduced to a scorched ruin by Russian forces. He described a front line that remains fiercely contested in the most critical sectors of Donbas, including Bakhmut, Soledar, Maryinka, and Kreminna, where daily life has effectively ceased for many residents. In his late-night address, he warned that the region endures relentless bombardment and ground combat, with Russian troops pressing to gain strategic advantages while Ukrainian defenses struggle to hold the line. The report underscores a humanitarian toll, with long-standing displacement and destroyed infrastructure shaping the daily reality for civilians caught in the conflict.
President Zelensky stated that the invaders have eroded Bakhmut’s status as a populated center, turning it into an example of destruction that has unfolded across much of Donbas. His remarks highlighted the broader military objective attributed to Moscow: to break Ukrainian resistance in key frontline cities and to reshape the battlefield through intense artillery fire, urban warfare, and sustained incursions. The statements reflect a pattern observed in multiple fronts where cities have faced extensive damage, displacement, and the dismantling of civilian life amid ongoing fighting. The challenge remains to document and assess the evolving situation on the ground as both sides adjust tactics in a war that continues to test regional stability and international responses.
The Ukrainian leadership reiterates a strategic framework aimed at restoring national sovereignty and territorial integrity, outlined in a ten-point peace proposal presented by Kyiv. This framework emphasizes restoring borders as recognized, securing the safety and rights of civilians, ensuring the withdrawal of occupiers, and rebuilding affected communities with international support. The emphasis on territorial integrity remains central to Kyiv’s public messaging and diplomatic outreach, signaling readiness to pursue negotiations that acknowledge international law, protect civilian populations, and address security guarantees for the country. Analysts note that the proposal seeks a comprehensive end to hostilities while laying the groundwork for reconstruction and reconciliation in a post-conflict environment. [Citation: Reuters]