“Symbolic victory”: Russian troops slowly advance towards Bakhmut at the cost of huge losses

The city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, whose tactical significance is still being debated by analysts, has gained symbolic significance for both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Russian military. Huge resources were devoted to emerge victorious from the bloodiest and longest battle since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

NATO officials suggested last week that the city could fall within days, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to hold it “as long as possible.” According to him, in the last few days alone, Russian troops have lost about 1,100 militants in Bakhmut and its vicinity.

Most of the buildings in Bakhmut are already destroyed, but there are people who still call this city their home, refuse or cannot leave it.