Zelenskyy explains why it is crucial for Ukraine to hold Bakhmut

Zelenskyy told Al Arabiya about this. 

Despite the fact that some analysts say that Bakhmut has little strategic importance, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will not give up the city.

"It is impossible for us to give up on Bakhmut because this will [help] expand the battle front and will give the Russian forces and Wagner chances to seize more of our lands," says the Ukrainian president, adding that if the Russian Federation captures the city, it can to become a bridgehead for the offensive on Kramatorsk and Slovyansk.

Zelenskyy believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is fighting for his life in Ukraine, not for his country.

"The truth is, Russia won’t stop at Ukraine and this is something clear to everyone," the country's leader said. He is convinced that Ukraine can stop the Russian Federation.

The situation in Ukraine is difficult, but Zelenskyy emphasized that we are fighting and getting stronger.

"We hope and we believe that through daily [gains] we are close to victory," the president emphasized.

Ukrainians are committed to the return of temporarily occupied lands and the development of the country.

Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian army is preparing for a counterattack against Russian forces, while playing down the impact of US leaked documents on this counter offensive. 

"Our army is getting ready, and we are doing everything we can in order to make it stronger," he added. 

• It is worth noting that Kyrylo Budanov, Intelligence chief, stated that Russia failed the winter-spring offensive and lost its offensive potential. 

• However, Oleksiy Danilov, the NSDC Secretary, commented that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would only launch a counteroffensive when fully prepared and upon receiving everything promised by their allies.

• On April 6, The New York Times reported on the leak of classified documents containing US and NATO plans to enhance the Ukrainian army in preparation for a planned counteroffensive, which prompted an investigation by the Pentagon. 

• Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal assured that Kyiv and Washington are still united in their efforts to prepare for a counteroffensive despite the leaked documents. 

• Ukraine believes that the leak of Pentagon data will not affect the course of the war with Russia since some counteroffensive plans were not disclosed to the Americans.

• The analysis of Pentagon documents indicates that the "supply of weapons" from the West will end with the "spring offensive" scheduled for April 30, 2023. 

• Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar emphasized that the counteroffensive involves various complex actions, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already started attacking the enemy in the east. 

• Meanwhile, ISW reports that the Russian military leadership intends to capture Bakhmut before the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive.