Ukrainian Defense forces recapture several positions near Bakhmut - Svoboda battalion fighter Lysenko

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV’s Verdict with Serhiy Rudenko programme.

"The defense of Bakhmut requires a whole range of measures. To the north, south and west of Bakhmut, we have many positions that stretch for more than 80 kilometers. The road to Kostyantynivka has not been used for several months. The road is being shelled by both our artillery and the enemy's artillery. One of our unit's subdivisions is now performing its duties south of Bakhmut. I know that we have successfully recaptured several positions and advanced half a kilometer," emphasized Lysenko.

According to the Svoboda battalion fighter, the private sector of Bakhmut is temporarily under Russia’s control, but its troops cannot enter the multi-storey buildings.

"Terrorists are attacking the city with incendiary and phosphorus bombs. The enemy's tactic is to burn everything so that there is no place to hide. They want the Ukrainian Armed Forces to leave Bakhmut voluntarily, but this will not happen. We will hold on till the end," emphasized Lysenko.

Lysenko also adds that he is concerned about the situation around Khromove.

"Supply of ammunition, food and water to our soldiers is hampered near Khromove. It is impossible to drive on the road, everything is delivered by detours, and the soil is not yet dry enough," said Lysenko.

• The head of Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov said that  Russia had switched to a strategic defense operation to hold the seized territories in all areas except Bakhmut and Avdiivka. 

• Russian troops are withdrawing some of their resources from the front line in the Donetsk region, deploying additional forces to storm Bakhmut.