Ukrainian soldiers are holding “fixed” their positions in Bahamut, the city in eastern Ukraine that the Russians have been trying to capture for months, but where the situation is “difficult”, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today. Earlier, Ukrainian forces also repelled Russian attacks in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine.

“This is the hardest point, the hottest point” of the front, Zelensky said at a joint press conference in Kiev with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson. “It’s not easy for our soldiers in the east but we don’t call it ‘Fortress Bahamut’ unfairly.” Our fortress lives,” said the Ukrainian president, saluting the soldiers who “firmly hold” their positions.

Zelensky characterized “hot spot” and Uhlendar, to the south of Bakhmut, which is also located in the Donetsk province and is under attack by Russian forces. On Tuesday, in his evening speech, he admitted that the situation in Bahamut is “extremely difficult” as the Russians have gained ground in recent weeks.

From his side, the Swedish prime minister assured that his country will continue to support Ukraine “as much as it can”.. Kiev has been persistently asking for fighter jets, and Christerson commented that “nothing is off the table”, noting, however, that such deliveries can only be made in the context of “an international coalition”.

The intensity of fighting has also increased in recent days in Luhansk province. Its governor, Serhi Gaidai, said today that the situation is “deteriorating” especially around the communities of Kremina and Bilogorifka where the Russians are attacking “in waves” with the support of their air force.

In Pokrovsk, a city far from the front line, at least one person was killed today and 12 others were injured when an apartment complex was hit. Two other people are believed to be trapped in the debris, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine’s disaster response agency.