Russian forces lose up to 70,000 troops near Bakhmut – Reznikov

Reznikov said this on the sidelines of the Ukrainian-American Forum, RBC-Ukraine reports.

"According to our estimates, they (Russians - ed.) lose a battalion a day there (near Bakhmut - ed.) and continue to do so," Reznikov said.

The minister stressed that the Ukrainian military in Bakhmut are doing an important job: reducing the offensive power of Russian troops and preventing them from launching an offensive in other parts of the frontline.

"If you count, I think the Russians have suffered up to 70,000 casualties in the Bakhmut sector alone. I mean killed and wounded together," Reznikov said.

• Earlier, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that the enemy had pulled most of its reserves to Bakhmut and reinforced the group, but despite this, the Ukrainian Armed Forces advanced.

• Wagner PMC owner Yevgeny Prigozhin admitted that his mercenaries cannot surround the Ukrainian military in Bakhmut due to the loss of stable flanks to the north and south of the city.