Zelensky Reports Heavy Fighting in Eastern Ukraine

Heavy fighting is ongoing in the city of Soledar in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butusov wrote on his Telegram channel that Russian forces have entered the city area and are trying to advance despite heavy losses. He reports that the sounds of explosions and gunfire are constantly heard, with battles between assault groups occurring at a distance of 20-30 meters.

The small town of Soledar in the Donetsk region is located to the northeast of Bakhmut. The Russian side claims to have captured the village of Bakhmutskoye, located near the city.

Lieutenant General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Eastern Group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, met with the commanders of the units defending Bakhmut and Soledar.

In his daily address, Vladimir Zelensky stated that the fight for Donbas continues. Russian soldiers are attempting to attack, but they will be defeated, emphasized the President of Ukraine. According to him, Bakhmut and Soledar, Kremennaya, and Svatovo are the overall prospects of Donbas in the upcoming weeks. However, the battle for Donbas is ongoing.

"And although the occupiers are currently concentrating their maximum efforts on Soledar, the result of this difficult and prolonged battle will be the liberation of our entire Donbas," Zelensky said.

"I thank all our soldiers who are defending our Bakhmut and demonstrating the utmost resilience. Thank you to all the fighters in Soledar who are resisting the invaders' new and even tougher assaults. It is extremely difficult..." he added.

It is noteworthy that Russian troops launched a powerful assault on Soledar on January 9. They have regrouped and changed their tactics.