Ukraine ‘Holding On’ in Bakhmut, says Head of President’s Office

The head of the President's Office has insisted Ukraine is still holding the line in Bakhmut after NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg’s recent comments that he expected the city to fall “in the coming days”.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday and in response to a question from Kyiv Post, Andriy Yermak said: "Many people are talking about something. The situation is difficult.

“But our soldiers are holding on."

He added there were no disagreements with international partners regarding the defense of Bakhmut.

Elsewhere and in response to the same comments from Stoltenberg, a soldier currently fighting in Bakhmut said there has been no order to withdraw and they are still repelling Russian attacks.

"We have not received such an order,” the soldier known by the call sign “Stone” told Kyiv Post.

“We are currently engaged in heavy fighting, repelling numerous attacks by the enemy, who outnumber us 10 or 12 to 1.

“We still have resources. However, we are still waiting for heavy weapons and shells.”

Stone did confirm that a recent statement from Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin about capturing the city’s eastern part was true.

“They came in from the east and advanced to the Bakhmutka River, a natural barrier, and it will be difficult for the Russians to cross the river,” he said.