Ukraine pushing back against Russian forces in 2 directions in Bakhmut, official says

Ukrainian forces are advancing in two directions in the eastern city of Bakhmut but the situation in the center of the city is more complicated, deputy defense minister Hanna Malyar said on Saturday.

Ukrainian and Russian officials say pro-Kyiv forces have begun retreating and surrounding Bakhmut after months of offensives by forces loyal to Moscow left much of the town in ruins.

Russia admitted on Friday that its troops had fallen north of Bakhmut ahead of a counter-offensive promised by Ukraine to recapture territory lost after the start of the war last year.

“Our troops are gradually advancing in two directions on the outskirts of the city of Bakhmut … however, the situation in the city itself is more complicated,” Malyar wrote on Telegram.

“Thanks to the competent planning of the command and the bravery of the fighters, the enemy was unable to capture the city.”

Russia ‘will feel’ counteroffensive: Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Rome for an official visit, did not immediately respond when asked when the counterattack would begin.

“I cannot answer this question, but you will see the result and Russia will feel it,” he told Italian television.

Fighting in and around Bakhmut recently claimed the lives of two Canadians, both serving with the Ukrainian International Legion.

Ukraine’s wider war against Russian invasion of its borders is now in its 15th month.