Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar admitted on Wednesday that Russian troops had advanced in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, but attributed it to the scorched earth tactic already used in Syria by the Russian military, who are now using it again in the Ukrainian city. reports EFE and CNN television, citing Agerpres.

Serhiy Shoigu and Valery GerasimovPhoto: Gavriil Grigorov / Sputnik / Profimedia

“The enemy has mobilized all forces to take it under control. They have concentrated there not only the most professional units, the “Wagner” PMK, special forces, assault troops, but they are also sending weapons and equipment,” said a Ukrainian official on Public Television.

“They cannot face us in street battles because they will lose them, so they have resorted to their proven Syrian tactics and now they are wiping buildings off the face of the earth. In such a situation, it is very difficult to maintain a position. In fact, it is impossible to keep them,” said Hanna Malyar.

At the same time, she stated that the Russian troops “suffer huge losses there”, while the Ukrainian troops have “minimal losses”. Despite his statements, according to Western intelligence estimates, the Ukrainian army also suffered significant losses near Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian army announces counterattacks in the east of the country

The Ukrainian official also talked about the counterattacks that the Ukrainian army carried out in areas such as Bakhmut, Maryinka, Avdiyivka and Lyman, all in eastern Ukraine, and indicated that these actions should be seen as part of a counteroffensive by which Ukraine hopes to restore the situation . the following weeks or months of territory occupied by Russia.

For its part, Moscow claims that the Russian Airborne Forces blocked the city of Bakhmut from the north and south, and Wagner’s group advanced further into the city, where it “liberated” three more groups of buildings in the northwest, center and southwest of the city.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian military spokesman accused Moscow of “provocation” after Wagner’s group said retreating Ukrainian troops blew up four buildings in Bakhmut, killing 20 civilians.

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