Ukraine’s military has announced its intention to reinforce its positions in Bakhmut, the epicenter of fighting in eastern Ukraine, denying speculation that it would withdraw in view of Russian troops trying to besiege the city.

The announcement comes as the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary force, Yevgeny Prigozhin, once again complained of a lack of ammunition for his men, who have been on the front lines of this battle since last summer.

While rumors of a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces have been swirling for a week, the top commanders of the Ukrainian Armed Forces advocated the continuation of the defence operation and the strengthening of positions in Bakhmut during a meeting today with the head of state Volodymyr Zelensky, said the Ukrainian presidency.

On Sunday, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimated that the Ukrainian Army has apparently begun withdrawing in Bakhmut.

Source: AMNA

Cover photo: CNN

Also read: Russia | Duma votes to suspend Russia’s participation in New START treaty