The Guardian: Ukrainian forces still trying to hold Bakhmut despite heavy casualties
Soldiers and analysts suggest defending city has become more of a political than practical issue, as Russian push continues
Ukrainian soldiers are being pummelled on three sides by Russian forces who are trying to capture Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region that has become the focus of the longest and one of the bloodiest battles since the war began.
Ukraine’s authorities insist they will continue to try to hold the city despite them suffering an estimated 100-200 casualties a day – with some saying the reason is more political and symbolic than practical. Retreating from the city now, after so many soldiers died fighting to keep it, would be a hard reality to face.
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The Battle For Bakhmut Continues -- March 9, 2023 Updates
Russian forces claim progress in Bakhmut but no end in sight -- AP
Russian Troops Now Occupy at Least 50 Percent of Bakhmut: ISW -- Newsweek
Ukrainian troops repel numerous attacks near Bakhmut and Ivanivske -- Ukrinform
Ukraine says it repels attacks on Bakhmut as Russia claims partial control -- Reuters
Russia takes east Bakhmut as Ukraine builds up forces -- Al Jazeera
Head of Russian military company claims gains in Ukraine's Bakhmut, but no end in sight -- L.A. Times
Ukrainian Soldiers Wait To Reinforce 'Real Hell' Of Bakhmut -- AFP
Zelensky pushes for more US aid as Russia pressures Bakhmut -- The Hill
Battle over Bakhmut exposes Russia's fault lines in Ukraine -- UPI
Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba: “We will not withdraw from Bakhmut” -- News Statesman
Failure to fully understand the situation – Armed Forces of Ukraine on NATO statement about "fall of Bakhmut" -- Ukrayinska Pravda
The Ugly Battle of Bakhmut Is Nearing Its End -- Daniel R. DePetris, Newsweek