Ukrainian fighter defiantly sends blast behind Russian lines
A Ukrainian fighter has a blast – as a howitzer sends another shell pounding into Russian lines.
Artillery from the country’s 53rd Mechanized Brigade is bombarding Vladimir Putin’s military around the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast.
The Moscow despot separately wants to prise it from Ukrainian hands in order to complete his goal of capturing the entire Donbas region bordering Russia.
Experts reckon the battle heating up around Bakhmut demonstrates Putin’s desire for visible gains following weeks of setbacks.
Taking Bakhmut would rupture Ukraine’s supply lines and open a route for Russian forces to press forward.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a nightly address Russia’s prolonged drive for the stronghold was “craziness”.
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It comes amid reports one of Vladimir Putin's top generals has been sacked after he was accused of "surrendering" the strategic city of Lyman.
There is speculation Putin may be purging his inner circle, as well as key military personnel, over Russia's disastrous campaign in Ukraine.
Russia is using “mobilised reservists” in its battle on the Dnipro River due to "extremely low" manpower, British intelligence suggested.
Putin is reportedly sending these “poorly trained” soldiers to their deaths, as he desperately attempts to hold onto land in the region.
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