Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has admitted that the situation for Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) where fighting is underway is very difficult.
“We are observing this increased pressure on various front lines as well as the pressure in the information field. It is very tough in the Donetsk Region – the clashes are fierce. Yet no matter how hard it is and regardless of pressure we should stand our ground,” he said in his video address to the nation aired on Sunday night.
Earlier, acting DPR Head Denis Pushilin said that heavy fighting was raging in Artyomovsk’s (called Bakhmut in Ukraine) neighborhoods that used to be controlled by the Ukrainian army.
Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing US and EU officials, that Western countries recommended Kiev stall for time, amass forces and wait for the Leopard tanks it had been promised in order to launch an offensive in the spring, even sacrificing Artyomovsk at this point.
