AFU needs to control heights near Bakhmut, Russia is losing resources and chances to capture the city. Military expert Serhiy Zgurets

The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to heroically hold the defense of Bakhmut

The Russian enemy has been trying to capture the city of Bakhmut for almost ten months. The defenders of Bakhmut have already become heroes of this war, given the strain they are undergoing under the Russian invasion. Russian troops are now actively using aviation and artillery to wipe out all buildings and structures where defense can be maintained.

Yuriy Syrotyuk, a grenade launcher soldier from the 5th separate assault brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that the situation in his brigade's area of responsibility is stable. The Russian troops have not been able to break through the defense of Ukrainian units, and the contact line has not changed for over 3 months. Syrotyuk said that the invaders tried to cut the road to Kostyantynivka, as well as the road towards Chasovyi Yar. He noted that the fighting continues. The enemy is constantly using artillery. However, according to him, Ukrainian defenders are not only holding the line, but are also resorting to counteroffensive actions.

Combat actions in the Bakhmut direction as of April 19

Yuriy Syrotyuk informed that since April 18, Russian occupiers have been concentrating on the northern direction of Bakhmut. In particular, they attacked Ukrainian units from the direction of Khromove. The adversary managed to advance in certain areas. However, Ukrainian defenders later pushed the Russian invaders back from the captured positions. Syrotyuk also added that heavy fighting continues in the city itself. He emphasized that Wagner's mercenaries on the city's flanks are very weak and Ukrainian defenders are increasingly fighting with Russian paratroopers.

Yuriy Syrotyuk also compared and emphasized the key difference between Russian paratroopers and Wagner's fighters. According to him, Wagner's mercenaries continue to be deployed to Ukrainian positions. They are being sent to slaughter. It seems that it is Wagner PMC mercenaries who are trying to find the weaknesses of the Ukrainian defense in Bakhmut. Russian paratroopers are being more cautious in their attempts to attack Ukrainian lines. There is also information about the deployment of Solntsepyok heavy artillery systems near Bakhmut. However, the work of the Russian army paratroopers cannot be called professional.

For Ukraine’s army it is important to retain control of the dominant heights beyond Bakhmut

According to Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Russian occupiers continue to actively use artillery and aircraft in Bakhmut. According to the latest reports, the enemy is trying to advance from the east and cross the railroad track that divides the city. Fighting is taking place in the area of the railway station. There are reports that Russian units seized the station building and then knocked it out. So the situation is very dynamic. Heavy fighting also continues in the north of the city. Here, they are trying to advance to the center of the settlement. However, Ukrainian units are holding the line and continue to control part of the city.

Map of heights around the city of Bakhmut

The defense of Bakhmut is becoming more stable. Ukrainian troops are receiving enough ammunition to better support the infantry. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if there is a threat of encirclement, the military command will make an objective decision. The fact is that there are heights outside the city of Bakhmut where the next line of defense is being prepared. That is why it is extremely important to hold the ridge behind Bakhmut.

Quality control of Ukrainian-made personal protective equipment

Yuriy Fedorov, director of the Kharkiv Personal Protective Equipment Plant, said that the contracts signed with the Ministry of Defense this year include a point on quality control. According to him, this is due to a number of factors. In particular, the impossibility of conducting laboratory tests of products. Currently, all samples are being approved on a fast-track basis and must meet all standards and technical documentation of the Defense Ministry. According to him, it can be stated that the quality of Ukrainian personal protective equipment has improved significantly.