HANDOUT – In this photo released by the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian Army soldiers prepare for battle aboard a military helicopter. Photo: Uncredited/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP/dpa – ATTENTION: For editorial use only in full format and in connection with current reporting and only with full attribution of the above credits
“In the Donetsk region, the village of Klishchiyivka was liberated by storm trooper volunteers with the support of the air force, rocket forces and artillery,” military spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in Moscow on Friday. The information could not be independently verified. Heavy fighting is currently taking place on the front in the Bakhmut area in eastern Ukraine.
Last week, the Russian side had already reported the capture of the town of Soledar north of Bakhmut. Kyiv has not yet confirmed the loss of the city. According to the British secret service, the Ukrainians withdrew there on Monday.
With the capture of Klishchiyivka, the danger of the Ukrainian garrison in Bakhmut becoming encircled increased. The city is a major transport hub and is considered part of Ukraine’s defensive wall between Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, the last major agglomeration controlling Kyiv in the eastern Donbass region. The Kremlin has named the conquest of the Donbass as one of its war goals.
war in Ukraine
Blick provides live information on current developments in Ukraine.
Blick provides live information on current developments in Ukraine.