Bakhmut has ammunition and all conditions to destroy Russians. Military expert Serhiy Zgurets

Bakhmut is the hottest direction 

The enemy is attempting to breach our defenses in five directions, with the most active fighting in Bakhmut and surrounding areas, which has been going on for seven months now. Russia suffers serious losses. Fighting is currently ongoing in the north, east, south of the city and in the city itself. Only one logistical route is currently available, running from Chasiv Yar through Khromove. 

The enemy is pushing towards Khromove from Berkhivka and Yahidne, about four kilometers away. Some foreign publications suggest our group may need to withdraw to new positions to avoid encirclement of Bakhmut.

The Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, stated that additional units are being moved to Bakhmut to strengthen our group, as per the decision of the commander of the ground forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. The decision to retain Bakhmut is military, not political. Serhiy Cherevatyi, the spokesman of the Eastern Grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commented that only the command knows how necessary a particular situation is, and there is currently no plan to withdraw troops from Bakhmut.

I spoke to my comrade from the artillery who gave me an update on the situation in the city. He rated it at four out of five on the scale, as there was fog and less firing yesterday. However, with clear weather today and ample ammunition, the enemy is suffering significant losses. Although we've also sustained losses, particularly in the trenches. According to Information Resistance, the enemy has amassed up to 28,000 personnel, 130 tanks, 300 BMPs, and 160 artillery systems above 100mm in the Bakhmut direction. It's a battle of forces, reserves, and fortitude.

Lt. Yevheniy Oropai, company commander of the Svoboda battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine, reported an increase in enemy activity and intensified infantry assaults in the Bakhmut area. The enemy is using all available means and forces, including artillery, and has deployed regular troops and Wagner mercenaries, including trained and less trained groups, as well as "worms'' who are used as cannon fodder. 

Despite the challenging situation, the enemy's efforts to break through from Berkhivka, Yahidne to Bohdanivka have caused significant losses unseen in any other direction. This has provided a strategic advantage for the Ukrainian forces to prepare and accumulate strength, while waiting for lend-lease and technical support to launch counter-offensive actions.

Lieutenant Oropai reflected on the events in Mariupol, where the enemy focused their efforts on the city, enabling our counter-offensive and liberation of many territories. A similar situation is now occurring in Bakhmut, and the decision to hold the city depends on our defenders, leadership, and character.

Oropai stated that our units have reliable support in the Kostiantynivka – Bakhmut and Ivanivske – Bakhmut routes, controlled by the Defense Forces. The enemy is actively deploying forces to take the southern side of Bakhmut and disrupt the supply of resources and reinforcements. Despite this, our units are determined and resilient. We honor and commend every defender in this direction, and all those who continue to perform combat tasks and hold the defense line. The situation remains difficult, but our brave soldiers are holding on.

The company commander of the Svoboda battalion noted that the enemy infantry is strongly influencing the situation. It's hard for our comrades who are standing in this area. I can't say that there is great support, that several of our brigades have come to help or for rotation. Some brigades have really changed, gone to man up. Even if there is some reinforcement, it is stretched over the entire line to cover the most difficult areas.