Russian forces push on to Bakhmut despite losses - military

He said it during an interview on the Espreso TV channel.

During the interview, Kalashnikov revealed, "The enemy remains relentless in their attempts to advance towards Bakhmut. Bakhmut is a sensitive point for the Russians, prompting them to deploy reinforcements. We closely monitor their counterattacks in various areas – Bohdanivka, Khromove, Ivanivske to the north, and Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Kurdyumivka to the south. Battles persist with units rotating in and out, all supported by artillery, MLRS, and mortars."

He highlighted that the enemy has incurred significant losses in this region

"As per the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the occupiers have suffered approximately 29,000 personnel losses, with 11,000 in our direction. Specifically, this pertains to the eastern front under the responsibility of the Khortytsia group of forces," he stated.

Emphasizing the impact of artillery and MLRS, Kalashnikov mentioned, "Around 70% of the invaders' losses stem from artillery and MLRS. These play a pivotal role in disrupting Russian offensive plans. Artillery proves instrumental in halting the enemy's counterattacks and supporting our own offensive maneuvers."

• It is worth recalling that on December 15, Russian forces continued their advance, achieving modest successes near Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Marinka in the Donetsk region.