We cannot abandon Bakhmut, because it will expand front, - Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky declares that Ukraine cannot refuse to keep Bakhmut, as his capture could open a springboard for Russia to attack Kramatorsk and Slovyansk.
As Censor.NET informs, Zelensky said this in an interview with Al Arabiya.
Zelensky emphasized: "We cannot give up Bakhmut, because this will expand the front of hostilities and will give Russian troops and Wagner a chance to capture more of our lands."
According to him, if Russia captures Bakhmut, it can become a springboard for an attack on two large cities that it has long sought to capture in the Donetsk region: Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
As the publication notes, despite some analysts saying that Bakhmut has little strategic value, Zelensky insists that Ukraine will not give up this city. He urged everyone to "visit [the city] so they can understand what can happen and what the threats are."
In an interview, Zelensky expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to repel the Russian invasion, saying that Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive.
"I can't describe the situation as good, but we are fighting. We are stronger than we were a year ago," he said.
Zelenskyi said that the Ukrainian army is preparing for a counteroffensive and expressed confidence in its success.
"Our army is preparing and we are doing everything possible to make it stronger," he said.
Zelenskyi also thanked the allies for their support but noted that they are also supporting themselves by helping Ukraine.
"The truth is that Russia will not stop at Ukraine, and this is something that is clear to everyone," he said, adding that Ukraine, however, can stop Russia.
"So our allies, support us because, first of all, this is a cheap price that you have to pay because Russia will go further," he said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the war in Ukraine, is fighting for his life, not for his country.
