Ukrainian troops repel Russian attacks in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine

kyiv, Aug. 7 (DPA/EP) –

The Ukrainian Army is under increasing pressure in eastern Donetsk, but has repelled all Russian advances towards Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Sloviansk, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.

Fierce fighting has been going on around Bakhmut for days and pro-Russian rebels have reported that the fighting had reached inside Bakhmut on Friday, but the statements could not be verified, according to the DPA news agency.

Bakhmut is considered a cornerstone of the defense around the last urban area held by Ukraine in Donbas. Thus, without Bakhmut — along with other small towns — the way would be largely clear for Russian troops to advance on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.