Russian forces have no chance to surround Bakhmut - Freedom Battalion officer Ilyenko

Andriy Ilyenko, an officer of the Freedom battalion of the National Guard, told about this on Espreso TV.

"There are heavy battles, our men are holding on. It is hard to say that January 1 was somehow different from previous days. The main battles are not in Bakhmut itself, perhaps there are battles on the outskirts. The main battles are on the flanks. I understand their plan is that they want to surround the city first," he said.

Ilyenko said that the Russian occupiers have no successes, but on the contrary – they have heavy losses.

"I think there is no chance that they will surround Bakhmut. All the main roads leading to the city are under Ukrainian control. All units of the Defense Forces are in maximum concentration. Everyone is making every effort, it is very difficult, but this pressure is being maintained. The enemy is not allowed to advance. There are no changes, day after day, there are battles. The enemy is trying to push and storm, but has no success," the officer summed up.