The situation in the Bakhmut area is the most difficult of the entire frontline. It is also extremely challenging in the Vuhledar area, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with the Swedish Prime Minister.
"The situation in Bakhmut is the most difficult of all the situations that we have in the country. The most difficult and fierce is in that area. I would also add the Vuhledar area. In fact, it is not easy for our people in the east. There is a reason why they say "Fortress Bakhmut". There is such a phrase in our society. Unfortunately, the fortress is a living being. I mean it's made up of real people... But, nevertheless, people are strong, they are standing, they understand that they are a fortress so that Ukraine can prepare for the de-occupation of the territories," he emphasized.
On 13 February, Russian occupiers lost 205 people in the area of Bakhmut overnight, and record-breaking shelling was recorded near Kreminna.