Russia fails to seize initiative in Bakhmut sector - Ukrainian officer Nazarenko

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"The situation in the Bakhmut sector remains tense. The enemy continues to use certain tactics to advance. Fortunately, so far the Russian army has not managed to seize the initiative in this area. The invading forces are suffering heavy losses. The Russians also use small group tactics with artillery support. Over the past week, the occupiers have significantly intensified artillery shelling of our positions," said Nazarenko.

According to Nazarenko, Russian forces are conducting active assault operations in all directions around Bakhmut.

"Russians have significantly intensified reconnaissance in the sky using various types of UAVs. Therefore, the enemy's pressure on Ukrainian positions remains as intense as possible. Moreover, the occupiers are not only conducting offensive actions west of Bakhmut, but also to the south and north of the city. In particular, the enemy is trying to advance towards Klishchiyivka. The area near Bilohorivka and Vyymka is no less active," he added.

• Over the last day, 79 combat engagements took place  at the frontl on February 26. Russia attempted to storm the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 73 times in seven sectors, most of them in the Marinka area.