Russia 'runs from key village' as Ukraine moves closer to Bakhmut's return

A Ukrainian soldier fires at Russian troops on the front lines near Bakhmut. Photo: AP Photo/Alex Babenko

Russia in danger Loss of a strategic town near Bakhmut, which could allow Ukrainian forces to launch an assault on the city, is reportedly lost.

Kyiv said its forces attacked the Klishchevka area, which south of Bakhmut, against the backdrop of reports that Moscow troops have completely withdrawn from the village.

“We have left Klishchevka,” said Oleksandr Sladkov, an experienced Russian war correspondent assigned to Moscow forces, warning that nearby Bakhmut could soon be “under the control of Ukrainian artillery.” .

He quoted his sources among the Russian troops in the area, saying that the soldiers ran out of ammunition and had to retreat.

“The town of Bakhmut is under threat. Will we keep it?» he said.

Ukraine insists on an attack on Bakhmut

The capture of Klishchevka, which is on the main road leading from southern Ukraine to Bakhmut, would be an important achievement for Ukraine, as it would cut off a key supply route for the Russian army occupies the city.

Andrii Kovalev, a spokesman for the Ukrainian General Staff, confirmed that his country's troops were advancing in the area, but declined to confirm that Ukraine had captured the village.

Mr Kovalev said the operations were «partially successful in the Klischevka area”. and held new positions.»

«The enemy is putting up fierce resistance, calling for reinforcements and suffering heavy losses,» he said.

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The Russian Defense Ministry did not mention the storming of the village in its daily briefing. Jan Gagin, a senior separatist official in Donetsk, told Russian television on Wednesday that the village was still under Kremlin control.

Roman Svitan, a retired Ukrainian military pilot, told Ukrainian Radio NV that his troops had taken over the height above Klishchevka, which forced the Russian troops to retreat.

“As soon as we clear this territory, we will be able to pull our artillery there, and it will be able to control Bakhmut from the south,” he said.