“Tree by tree”: How Ukraine advances against Bachmut Nigeria’s president surprised many observers in the first month

For months Ukrainian troops had defended Bakhmut against Russian attackers. Then they entered the city, the Ukrainians retreated – and are now attacking again from different directions. The city, which once had a population of 70,000, once again became the hub of the war in Ukraine.

On Thursday, the Defense Ministry reported further progress in the region: the village of Klishchiyivka had moved one kilometer closer, and there were also successes in Kurdyumivka, spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyy of the Eastern Military Region of Ukraine told the American news channel CNN.

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Deputy Defense Secretary Hanna Maljar made similar statements on Telegram.

It is certain that Russia is sending more troops to Bakhmut, including airborne troops from the north of the occupied territories. “It shows that they are willing to stop Bachmut at all costs. The enemy is also deploying additional anti-tank missile systems,” Cherevaty said.

Small town with great importance

The small town in the Donetsk region has become a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance. At the same time, however, it is also important for Russia. Kiev prided itself on keeping Russian troops out of the city for months. At the same time, the resistance had tied up Russian troops who were missing elsewhere.

This is probably one of the reasons why Moscow sent the Wagner mercenaries to Bachmut, who eventually managed to take the city with great losses – which was in turn celebrated by Moscow. That the city could now be recaptured from Ukraine – after the Wagner soldiers left and their boss Yevgeny Prigozhin died – should come at a bad time for President Vladimir Putin and the military leadership, who have been criticized anyway.

There are also reports of military successes, albeit minor, directly from the front. Commander Denis Yaroslavsky even reported de facto control over the village of Klishchiivka. This is of great importance: the offensive towards Bachmut must start from here. And finally, there are also reports that Russian troops are retreating north of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian troops are apparently trying to reach Bakhmut from the flanks. How far they actually progress is difficult to ascertain. Videos, the location of which has been confirmed by CNN, would show Russian positions being attacked in the region.

The Russian military blogger “War Gonzo” has also confirmed that there is heavy fighting. CNN quotes him as saying that Ukraine has carried out several attacks in recent days, but the most recent was particularly serious. According to the blogger, Russian troops beat them back. Here, too, it is hardly possible to independently verify the information.

“I’ve never seen so many mines”

A Ukrainian soldier told CNN that fighting in the south of the region was similar to the Russian siege of Bakhmut until it was taken by Wagner forces in mid-May. “The intensity of the fighting here is similar to that in Bakhmut during the hottest phase. Now the same thing is happening in this area,” he added.

The Ukrainian troops suffered from the mines laid by Russia. Read more about how landmines became a problem for the Ukrainian military here. “I’ve never seen so many mines,” said the soldier, nicknamed “Legion.” “We are slowly working our way through, taking up more ground every day, tree by tree.” At the same time, Russian sources also report progress by Moscow’s troops, albeit at a similarly slow pace.

British military intelligence also sees progress for the Ukrainians in Bakhmut. The Ukrainian counter-offensive has gained momentum near the city of Bakhmut, it said. “Ukrainian forces have made progress on both the northern and southern flanks,” the British defense ministry said.

Bachmut’s strategic importance is disputed. The city is located on an important connecting road leading to the Donbass cities of Kramatorsk and Slowjansk. And: She is currently at the forefront of the battle. But it probably has an even greater psychological effect.

The ongoing “Battle of Bakhmut” is already seen as a major event in the war in Ukraine. For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the defense of the “Fortress Bakhmut” was the “top priority” until May this year. Now another siege could be imminent – but this time from the Ukrainian side. The big difference: Moscow has no more Wagner mercenaries to burn there.