Senior Ukrainian officials have indicated in separate statements that their forces are ready to launch a long-awaited counter-offensive to retake territory that Russia has controlled since the start of the war.
Russia’s private military group, Wagner, began handing over its positions to Russian regular forces last week after declaring full control of Bakhmut after the longest and bloodiest battles of the war.
Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hana Malyar said in a statement on the Telegram app that Russian forces were continuing the offensive, but general operational activity had declined.
“There were no active battles yesterday and today, either in the city or on its outskirts,” she said, adding that Russian forces were instead shelling suburbs and roads leading to Bakhmut.
“The decline in enemy offensive activity is due to the fact that forces are being changed and their ranks are being reorganized…the enemy is trying to build up its capabilities,” Maliar said.
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