7 minutes agoUS warns of “tough fight”, as Russia continues attacks on Bahmut
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)On March 16th, the Ukrainian Army reported that Russian troops had carried out numerous attacks on Ukrainian positions in and around the town of Bahmut within the last 24 hours, continuing intensive months of fighting for the control of the city in the eastern Donjeck region. According to the daily announcement issued by the General Staff of the Forces [...]
According to the daily announcement issued by Ukraine's Armed Forces General Staff, Ukrainian troops successfully backed “numerous attacks” in the northern and western areas of Bahmut, particularly in Orikovo-Vasilivka and Bodanivka.
Russian forces continue to advance towards the city centre, cutting power lines in an effort to surround the city.
“Russia continues to carry out attacks, despite losses”, says the report, adding that at the same time Moscow forces have advanced to other key areas in the Donjeck region, focusing on Lima, Avrovka, Marinka and Shaktarsk, with more than 75 attacks in the last 24 hours.
Russia also carried out a missile attack in the eastern town of Harkiwi, where there were limits to the destruction of energy and civilian infrastructure, the military said.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman General Pat Ryder warned that the following months would be crucial to the outcome of the battle for eastern Ukraine.
“I think it is also important to take a step back and look at the progress that has been achieved, acknowledging the fact that there is a difficult struggle ahead, especially as we cross the spring and summer”, Ryder said at a conference at the Pentagon, adding that the United States will continue to do everything possible to meet Ukraine's military needs.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said at a virtual meeting of the so-called Ramstein group of dozens of countries that have offered weapons to Kiev that a total of nine countries have pledged to supply Ukraine with 150 Leopard tanks.
Austin said Ukraine's defence has reached its crucial “moment”, as Russia now “is running out of” options.
Russia has had to rely on Iran and North Korea and use World War II equipment. So Russia is running out of options and friends”, Austin said.
US General Mark Milley, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, said after the Ramstein group meeting that Russia is making small tactical advances near Bahmut, but the high cost “ ”.
Milhouse said Russia's military leaders are not effectively supporting their troops, and he also underlined that their military reserves are being exhausted at a fast pace.
