Ukraine has announced that its troops have made significant gains near the key city of Bakhmut, located in the eastern Donetsk region. The city has been a major site of fighting since the conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists erupted in 2014.
According to Ukrainian military officials, their forces have captured several strategic positions from the separatists in recent weeks. These gains include a key hilltop position overlooking the city, which is seen as a major victory for Ukrainian forces.
The Ukrainian government has been pushing to regain control of the Donetsk region, which includes Bakhmut, since the conflict began. However, the separatists, who have been backed by Russia, have held on to key areas of the region despite ongoing efforts by Ukrainian forces to retake them.
The fighting in the region has claimed the lives of over 13,000 people since 2014, and the conflict shows no signs of abating. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in 2015, sporadic fighting has continued, and both sides accuse the other of violating the agreement.
The recent gains by Ukrainian forces near Bakhmut come as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to simmer. The conflict has led to Western sanctions against Russia and a deterioration in relations between Russia and the West.
The situation in eastern Ukraine remains highly volatile, and it is unclear what the future holds for the region. However, the gains made by Ukrainian forces near Bakhmut are seen as a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to regain control of the Donetsk region.