The Russian army keeps on attacking in the eastern part of Ukraine, in Bakhmut, and has also shelled Kherson, writes Reuters.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Malyar wrote on Telegram that heavy battles are taking place along the entire eastern front. For the most part, the forces of Kyiv managed to repulse the enemy’s attacks, and added that the leadership of the Russian army also moved soldiers from other places to Bakhmut. Malyar informed: “The enemy is using its most professional units there and resorting to a significant amount of artillery and aviation. Every day,
the enemy carries out in Bakhmut from 40 to 50 storming operations and 500 shelling episodes.”
The owner of the Wagner Group has informed that his forces have occupied 80% of the territory of Bakhmut, while the Ukrainians state that this figure is greatly exaggerated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to call on the West to provide more weapons in the hope that this will help in a successful counter-offensive. In his speech on Thursday, the 13th of April, Zelensky said that the soldiers are preparing and the promised arms deliveries are awaited.
Off the battlefield,
Ukrainian officials are focusing on extensive reconstruction efforts and making headway in the fight against corruption.
During the talks in Washington, Denis Shmyhal, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, promised that he would account for every dollar given by the US, and informed that the reconstruction works in Ukraine should start already this year. He thanked for the continued, strong support.
Ukraine is also pushing for NATO membership, a move Moscow has condemned and has indicated it will not accept.
Read also: Bakhmut continues to hold; West promises weapons