Danilov on possibility to withdraw from Bakhmut: This is our land, and we have no right not to defend it

Danilov said this in an interview with Radio Svoboda.

"The phrase 'hold Bakhmut' has a purely military meaning. We held a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and it was reaffirmed by Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi, General Syrskyi, and all those present at the meeting that Bakhmut is a very important, key point for us. We understand that this irritates some people, some think we should give in. But this is our land, and we have no right not to defend it," the NSDC Secretary emphasized.

According to him, there is no decision to withdraw from Bakhmut yet.

Danilov reminded that the Russian occupying forces are suffering huge losses in this area.

"As for Bakhmut, keep in mind that every day and huge number of terrorists who invaded our territory stay there forever. Everything around Bakhmut is covered with them," he said.

• British intelligence noted that the Russian army has temporarily exhausted its offensive potential.