Times remain difficult in the city of Bahamut as Russian shelling is continuous, however, the first line of defense has been stabilized in recent days by Ukrainian troops, the deputy commander of the National Guard of Ukraine said on Saturday.

According to Volodymyr Nazarenko of the Svoboda Battalion, Russian forces have not crossed the Bakhmutka River, so the city center remains under the control of Ukrainian forces.

“Every hour in Bahamut is like hell. The enemy had successes to the north, north-west of Bahamut a week ago. Ukrainian soldiers fight back. In the last few days, the frontline has stabilized thanks to our hard work and efforts,” Nazarenko told Ukrainian TV station Kyiv24.

Near the village of Ivanivske, southwest of Bahamut, “the main road is under the control of Ukrainian forces. They do this with enormous efforts,” he said.

Russian forces are running out of ammunition and are resorting to “chaotic bombings” and attempt to bomb supply lines. Moscow’s troops, however, still have more ammunition than the Ukrainians, he added.

“Most of the fighting in Bakhmut is taking place on the outskirts, with the city controlled by Ukrainian defense forces: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Border Guard and the National Guard,” according to Serhiy Cherevatyi, a spokesman for the eastern group of the armed forces.

The city of Bakhmut is considered a particularly important point for the Russians. Since last summer the city has been within a stone’s throw of the front lines, so its capture would represent a long-sought success for Moscow’s forces — and carry some limited strategic value.