The notification was further confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office stating, the discussion of the Bakhmut operation took place on Monday with the chief of the general staff and commander of ground forces

Ukrainian military leaders hint at their determination to hold onto Bakhmut as Russian forces encroach. A devastated eastern city they wish to capture for six months that cost thousands of lives.

The notification was further confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office stating, the discussion of the Bakhmut operation took place on Monday with the chief of the general staff and commander of ground forces.

It added the conversation was in favour of “further strengthening positions in Bakhmut” and continuing the defensive operation.

Meanwhile, an intense Russian shelling took place in the Donetsk region and nearby villages. Following Moscow’s attempt at a three-sided assault trying to finish off Bakhmut’s resistance.

Others affected by heavy shelling were the nearby towns of Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka damaging cars and homes and sparking a fire. No casualties were mentioned under immediate reports.

As a precautionary measure police and volunteers have evacuated people from Chasiv Yar and other front-line towns in an operation, witnessing the difficulties caused by the destruction of bridges and constant artillery fire on houses.

According to reports Russia is trying to surround Bakhmut to secure its war attempt from last year. It is estimated to capture the culmination of a winter offensive.

Russia’s recent win-win-like circumstances have made Ukrainian troops reinforce their positions from west of Bakhmut in apparent preparation for a possible retreat.

The report suggests the intense battle caused a major depletion of both sides’ artillery reserves as thousands of shells were fired daily along the eastern and southern fronts.

Commenting on the war scenario the United States suggests, the eastern city should not signify a shift in the war’s momentum even if it falls to Russia.