THE Ukrainian army pledged today to don’t give up the city Bahamutin eastern Ukraine, as it prepares to launch a general counteroffensive against Russian forces.

General Alexander Sirsky, commander of Ukrainian ground forces, underlined the importance Kiev attaches to maintaining control of Bakhmut as preparations continue for a counteroffensive that he hopes will change the dynamics of the war in Ukraine.

THE battle for Bahamut has a symbolic meaning for both sides, with Ukraine continuing to hold parts of the city after months of heavy fighting against Russian regular army units and mercenaries from the Wagner paramilitary group.

“Together with the commanders, we have taken a series of necessary decisions aimed at ensuring effective defense and inflicting maximum losses on the enemy,” Sirsky said, according to comments made public after visiting troops fighting in Bahamut.

“We will continue, despite all predictions and recommendations, to hold Bakhmut, destroy Wagner and other combat units of the Russian army”he told soldiers, according to taped excerpts from his visit. “We are giving our reservists a chance to prepare and we are preparing ourselves for further action.”

Sirsky said yesterday that Ukrainian units have driven Russian forces from some positions in Bakhmut. The Wagner organization said its units had advanced to the area. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the situation on the battlefield.

Russia views Bakhmut, once home to 70,000 people, as a springboard for attacking other Ukrainian cities.

Kiev is widely expected to launch its counteroffensive soon, hoping to recapture territory held by Russian forces after the February 2022 invasion.

The White House said yesterday that Russia has exhausted its military reserves and armed forces, with around 100,000 Russian soldiers killed or wounded in Ukraine over the past five months.