President Volodymyr Zelenskyi in his speech to his compatriots on Monday evening emphasized one thing: the Ukrainian army remains defending the city of Bakhmut, despite the information that appeared during the day about the beginning of an organized retreat. He said that the Battle of Bakhmut “provided and continues to produce one of the greatest results in this war,” while Western sources estimate that the losses of the Russian army at Bakhmut are so great that they make a new offensive unlikely.

The Kyiv leader wanted to draw the attention of Ukrainians not to succumb to disinformation messages “from some who do not even hear the secret defense discussions, but claim that the alleged decisions on defense have been made” in Kyiv, writes the News. ro agency.

The German tabloid Bild wrote on Monday, citing sources, that there are differences between Volodymyr Zelenskyi and the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army, General Valery Zaluzhny, who a few weeks ago would have recommended a tactical exit from Bakhmut.

However, Volodymyr Zelenskyi assured his compatriots on Monday evening that he had discussed Bakhmut for more than an hour with the chief commanders of the army and the heads of the special services, and they were all of the opinion that the Ukrainian forces should continue their resistance. and protect this bastion from Donbas, which has been under continuous siege by Russian troops for several months.

“Society must understand the meaning of our defense operations, the true meaning. Today, at the meeting of the General Staff, I directly asked Commander Sirskyi (Olexander Sirskyi, commander of the Eastern Operation – no), and Chief of Staff Zaluzhnyi, how they see the further development of the defensive operation in the Bakhmut direction. Should we retreat or continue to defend and fortify the city? Both generals answered: we are not retreating and are strengthening. And this position was unanimously supported by the General Staff. There were no other positions,” Zelenskyi said.

“I told the Chief of the General Staff to find the appropriate forces to help those in Bakhmut. There is no part of Ukraine that can be said to be abandoned. (…) We destroy the occupier everywhere – wherever it gives results for Ukraine. Bakhmut gave and gives one of the greatest results during this war, for the entire battle for Donbas. And I thank every soldier who fights in this extremely difficult area, who fights for the rest of our country, in all directions,” Zelenskyy said.

“When the time comes, we will liberate every city and village of our country”

According to NATO intelligence estimates, for every Ukrainian soldier killed in the battles for the defense of the city of Bakhmut, Russian forces lost at least five, a military representative of the North Atlantic Alliance told CNN on Monday. In turn, the Institute for the Study of War estimated that Russia’s attempts to capture Bakhmut significantly damaged Moscow’s ability to carry out further offensive actions. “The Russian military is likely to struggle to support a further offensive operation for several months, giving Ukraine a chance to seize the initiative,” ISW said in its daily analysis of the war on Monday.

“We protect and will protect every part of Ukraine. When the time comes, we will liberate every city and village of our country. And we will make the occupier answer for every shot against Ukraine, for every evil against Ukrainians. If we can do it legally, we will do it legally. Because of our unity, because of our determination, because we value all of Ukraine and every Ukrainian, we know exactly what the outcome of this war will be. I knew from the first days of the war,” Zelenskyi encouraged his compatriots in his message on Monday evening, considering that Ukraine’s losses in the battle for Bakhmut are also very high.

In the end, the president referred to a video that he shared on social networks on Monday, in which the Russians execute a Ukrainian soldier who says “Glory to Ukraine!” before his death.

“In Ukraine, we will always hear: “Glory to Ukraine!”. And millions of people will always answer: “Glory to heroes!” It will always be like that. Ukraine will never forget the feat of each of those whose lives restored freedom to Ukraine. Today, a video appeared showing how the occupiers brutally kill a soldier who courageously told them in their faces: “Glory to Ukraine!”. I want us all to respond to his words together: “Glory to the hero! Glory to heroes! Glory to Ukraine!” And we will find the killers. I thank everyone who is now fighting for Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who helps Ukraine!” – the Ukrainian president finished his speech.

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