Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that the military situation was "particularly hot" around Bakhmut, with no letup in a months-long drive to seize the city, the most protracted battle in the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian servicemen head toward Bakhmut in a BMP infantry fighting vehicle, in eastern Ukraine on March 22, 2023. The situation was 'particularly hot' around Bakhmut on Sunday, April 2, 2023, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Aris Messinis/ AFP/File photo
But there was no indication from Ukrainian officials that Bakhmut had fallen into Russian hands. Prigozhin has previously made claims that were premature. Prigozhin, in an audio message posted on his press service's Telegram account, said: "From a legal point of view, Bakhmut has been taken. The enemy is concentrated in the western parts."
Zelensky and military commanders agreed last month to maintain the defense of Bakhmut amid public debate over whether it was best to remain or adopt other defensive positions.Prominent Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said fighting had engulfed the city center. Ukrainian forces had repelled 25 enemy attacks, but Russian forces had captured the AZOM metal plant, which Ukrainian troops had defended for days.
Another military analyst, Yuri Butusov, said Ukraine was hampered by a lack of defensive planning, particularly near Avdiivka, a second town under attack in Donetsk region.
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