Amid rumors of Ukrainian forces withdrawing from Bakhmut, Russian troops are expected to have an "open road" to capture key areas in eastern Ukraine if they successfully take control of the region.
The warning came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke during an interview where he defended his decision to maintain his forces' grounds in the besieged city. He said that the decision was tactical for Kyiv, adding that his country's military officials are united in defending the city of Bakhmut from Russian aggression.
Ukraine's Defense of Bakhmut
Zelensky argued that if Moscow gains control of Bakhmut, they can deploy their forces to other areas, such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. He warned that it would be similar to an open road for Russian forces to travel to other areas in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
The Ukrainian president's remarks come amid a weeks-long assault by Wagner's mercenary troops, which have racked up their attacks in recent days. The latter has been able to force thousands from the city and destroy the region's infrastructure, as per CNN.
Despite the continued attacks, Ukrainian military troops have been able to mount a stalwart defense of the area to stall Russia's progress. Zelensky added that his motivations in trying to keep control of the city of Bakhmut differed from Moscow's objectives.
The Ukrainian president said that he understood what Russia was trying to achieve by assaulting Bakhmut, a small victory. He added that if Moscow successfully took the reigns of the city, it would help them mobilize their society to put forward the idea that they had a powerful military force.
While Bakhmut alone does not hold any significant strategic advantage in the war, it has road connections to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, two densely populated, industrial urban hubs in northwestern Ukraine. This means these cities will be Russia's next targets if they seize control of the besieged city.
Russia's Mounting Losses
Ukrainian authorities sent reinforcements to Bakhmut to help defend the city against Russia's continued assault. Zelensky noted that by standing their ground, they would be able to inflict more losses on Moscow's side, according to CNBC.
The battle in Bakhmut has been raging for about seven months and has become the scene of one of the most intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Moscow's troops and Wagner's mercenaries have continued their slow advance into and surrounding the city in the last few weeks.
Several defense analysts said that Russian forces may have surrounded most of the area and advanced into Bakhmut but have yet to take control of all parts of the region. However, Ukrainian-held supply routes into the city remain increasingly limited and at risk.
The situation comes as an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded in the intense fighting for the city. Western officials added that the case of the battle is out of all proportion to the region's strategic significance, said BBC.