Russian forces will have an “open path” to capture key cities in eastern Ukraine if they take control of Bakhmut, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned in an interview with CNN, defending his decision to keep Ukrainian forces in the besieged city.

“For us, this is a tactic,” Zelenskyy said, insisting that Kyiv’s military leadership was united in expanding the city’s defenses after weeks of Russian attacks that left it on the brink of capture by Moscow forces.

“We understand that after Bakhmut they could go further. They could go to Kramatorsk, they could go to Slovyansk, the road would be open for the Russians after Bakhmut to other cities of Ukraine, in the direction of Donetsk,” he said . interview for CNN.

“That’s why our guys stay there,” the Ukrainian president added.

A week-long assault by Wagner’s mercenaries, which has accelerated in recent days, has forced thousands to flee the city and destroyed its infrastructure. Ukrainian troops also maintained a tenacious defense in the area, delaying the Russian advance.

Zelensky said his motives for preserving the city are “so different” from Russia’s goals.

“We understand what Russia wants to achieve there. Russia needs at least one victory – a small victory – even after destroying everything in Bakhmut, simply killing every civilian there,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that if Russia can “hang its little flag” over Bakhmut, it will help “mobilize their society to create the perception that they are such a powerful army.”