Ukrainian troops repel Russian attacks in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine

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

Heavy fighting has been raging around Bakhmut for days and pro-Russian rebels have reported that fighting had reached the interior of Bakhmut on Friday, but the statements could not be verified, the DPA news agency said.

Bajmut is considered a cornerstone of the defense around the last Ukrainian-held urban area in the Donbas. Therefore, if Bajmut–along with other small towns–the way would be largely clear for Russian troops to advance toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.