Russia claimed on Friday that its forces had taken control of the area of Salt mining town of solidar in Eastern Ukraine overnight after days of Relentless fight, Moscow claims first big battlefield gain yet half a year of military setbacks.
Reuters could not immediately verify the situation in City. Previously on Friday, Kyiv She said fighting was still going on there after what she described as a “hot” night.
Russia said capture of Solidar will do that possible To cut off The neighboring larger Ukrainian supply routes city of Bakhmut trapped the remaining Ukrainian forces there. Russia was trying to seize Bakhmut for months in Brutal war.
“the capture of Solidar was made possible continuous bombardment of the enemy By attacking, army aviation, missile forces and artillery of gathering of The Russian Defense Ministry said, “Russian forces.”
Kyiv says Russia threw wave after wave of soldiers And mercenaries are useless fight for Shelling-out Wasteland in Solidar US officials said a Russian victory there, or even in Bakhmut, it wouldn’t make much difference in total war.
solidar, with prewar population of just 10,000, located above the cavernous salt mines. Bakhmut 10 times Akbar, is a large county center.
Even if both Bakhmut and Solidar fell to the Russians, it would not have a strategic effect on “The war itself,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House. on Thursday,” and it certainly won’t stop or slow down the Ukrainians down. “
The Wagner Ultranationalist Mercenary Company run by an ally of President Vladimir Putin had claimed to have seized Solidar on Wed, but so far Russia defense The ministry remained silent.
“the night in solidar was hot, battles Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar wrote: on Telegram messaging app.
“the enemy threw almost all main forces in the direction of Donetsk maintains a high intensity of offensive. Our fighters are trying bravely to keep defensereferring to Donetsk region which includes Solidar.
“this is difficult phase of war, but we will win. There is no doubt.”
outside Solidar on Thursday, Ukrainian soldiers They were dug in well fortified trenches in winter forest. Explosions echoed in the distance.
A 24-year-old soldier using the call-sign Facebook Reuters Intensity of The shelling rose by about 70 percentbut the troops were still holding their positions.
“The situation is difficult, but stable. We are resilient back the enemy …we are fighting back. “
Ukrainian officials said on Thursday more More than 500 civilians were trapped inside Solidar, including 15 children.
In a video speech last night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked two units in He said Solidar is “holding their positions and causing huge losses on the enemy.” he did not do give more details.
meat grinder
Frontlines in Ukraine hardly budges for 2 months ago Russia last big Retreat in the South. Meanwhile, the battles Around Bakhmut and Solidar it became what both sides called a “meat grinder” – a brutal war of Attrition takes lives of thousands of soldiers need for Decisive battles Before.
the new year Brought important undertakings of More Western weapons for Ukraine seeking to obtain mechanized armor to be installed battles against Russian tanks. Last week, France, Germany and the United States pledged to send armored combat vehicles vehicles.
In recent days, it has been the focus on main battle Western tanks countries You haven’t submitted it yet. On Friday, Finland joined Poland in Promising to send German-made Leopard tanks for Ukraine as part of western coalition. This requires permission of Berlin, which has so far been reluctant but has recently shown willingness to do so allow He. She.
Putin fired invasion on February 24 saying Kyivrelations with The West threatened Russia’s security, and Russia has since claimed to have annexed four Ukrainian provinces. Ukraine and its allies call It is an unjustified war to seize territory, and Kyiv says you will be fight Until she gets all her land back.
