[NYPOST] Russian forces bolstered by fresh troops are said to be "eradicating" towns and villages in Ukraine’s hotly contested Donbas region ahead of an anticipated offensive, according to Ukrainian officials.
Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said in televised remarks Monday the fight for the eastern province is "heating up," with Moscow "throwing new units into the battle."
Intense fighting that has been raging for weeks continued around the key city of Bakhmut and the nearby towns of Soledar and Vuhledar, Ukraine’s presidential office said.
Ukrainian forces are bracing for a Russian onslaught in the coming weeks, which would coincide with the one-year anniversary of the war.
In his nightly address Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the Kremlin’s forces could carry out "something symbolic to try to avenge their last year’s defeats."
Zelensky further confirmed that Kyiv’s forces have been under increased pressure from the enemy in various parts of the frontline.
"It is very difficult in the Donetsk region. There are fierce battles, but no matter how hard it is and how much pressure there is, we have to withstand it," he said. |