Destroyed Bakhmut is on fire, it already resembles Mariupol

He said this live on air of the Espreso TV channel.

"Situation in the Bakhmut direction is difficult. Bakhmut is key place where Russian forces try to break through our defenses. Both during the day and at night, the enemy is trying to break through in groups. Bakhmut is bombarded with MLRS, artillery, and mortars. Bakhmut is on fire in some places, partially destroyed, it already looks like Mariupol", Sazonov emphasized.

According to the serviceman, Russians have concentrated large forces in Bakhmut. They transferred troops from Kherson, mobilized soldiers, Wagner mercenaries, stormtroopers and paratroopers.

"History of war for the next few months will be decided in Bakhmut. I hope that the Russian army will wring its neck with the battle for Bakhmut. After Bakhmut, Russian soldiers will again lack men and equipment," Sazonov added.

• On December 14, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks in the populated areas of Donetsk region.

• Russian troops continue to focus their efforts on conducting offensive actions in Bakhmut and Avdiivka directions. And in the Kupiansk, Lyman and Zaporizhzhia directions - they are trying to improve their tactical position.