There is no encirclement threat in Bakhmut despite Russian attacks - officer Illienko

Andrii Illienko, officer with the Freedom Battalion, says that a difficult positional war is ongoing in eastern Ukraine

He said this on Espreso TV. 

“Heavy battles are going on in the east. The war in the Bakhmut area is intense and fierce. The enemy constantly tries to carry out assaults and uses artillery fire. Despite the fact that the Russian enemy tries to advance and attack every day, the Ukrainian defense is standing strong, and the front is holding,” Illienko emphasized.

The officer of the Freedom Battalion of Ukraine's National Guard added that all units of the Armed Forces are performing their tasks.

“There are no threats of encirclement and critical situations. Although, of course, the situation is very difficult. The enemy is suffering huge losses. I want to note the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders, who courageously fulfill their duty. A difficult positional war is going on,” Illienko emphasized.