Ukrainian forces recaptured an area of ​​approx 20 square kilometers by the Russians around the city of Bakhmut in recent days, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar announced on Tuesday.

In her post on Telegram, Maliar writes, however, that the Russian forces have advanced “in some places” within the city itself and that heavy fighting continues.

“In the last few days our soldiers liberated about 20 sq. km to the north and south of the district of Bahamut. At the same time, the enemy is advancing into Bahamut itself, completely destroying the city with the aid of artillery.” she said in her post.

“The enemy is attacking. It completely destroys houses and buildings. In some places it is progressing. At the same time, our brave defenders of Bahamut perform both defensive and active offensive actions. The enemy is suffering unreasonably high casualties” he added.

“The fact that the defense of Bahamut lasts for so many months, and even in some areas there is progress – this is the superior strength of our fighters and the high level of professionalism of the defense command. I remind you that the enemy has an advantage in numbers of men and weapons. However, thanks to the actions of our military, he has not been able to implement his plans in the direction of Bahamut since last summer.”