Over the past few days, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated approximately 20 sq km of the Bakhmut suburbs in the north and south of the town, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar has said on Telegram.
"Over the past few days, our troops have liberated about 20 sq km of the Bakhmut suburbs in the north and south. At the same time, the enemy is making some progress in Bakhmut itself, destroying the town with artillery. In addition, the enemy is deploying professional paratroopers," she said.
According to Malyar, heavy fighting is ongoing with varying results.
"In the current situation, our troops are doing their best and even more. The fact that the defence of Bakhmut has lasted for so many months and that there is progress in certain areas is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our soldiers and the high level of professionalism of the defence command. I would like to remind you that the enemy has an advantage in terms of numbers of people and weapons. At the same time, thanks to the actions of our military, it has not been able to implement its plans in the Bakhmut sector since last summer," she noted.