U.S. backs Ukraine’s decision on Bakhmut, says Kirby
U.S. backs Ukraine’s decision on Bakhmut (Photo:REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak)
The United States defers to Ukraine’s leadership in its prioritization of the hard-fought battle for the town of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council John Kirby said on March 21, during an interview with CNN.
According to Kirby, the United States will continue to ensure that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has “what he needs, wherever he chooses to fight.”
When asked whether Kyiv was spending too much time in the fight for Bakhmut, Kirby said Ukrainians are still “bravely fighting” in the eastern city and the area is “very vicious.”
“Here we are on the 21st of March and Bakhmut still has not fallen to the Russians,” Kirby said.
“So the Ukrainians are prioritizing this fight – the Russians have clearly prioritized this fight, and what we’re going do is stay focused on making sure that President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy has what he needs, wherever he chooses to fight. That means intelligence. That means support. That means weapons. That means capabilities. That’s what we’re going to be focused on.”
Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on March 14 that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had “some significant successes” to the north of Bakhmut.
Earlier on March 13, the Commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said the situation in Bakhmut remains difficult, with fighters from the Russian Wagner mercenary company trying to break through to the central areas of the town.
According to UK intelligence, the Russian assault on Bakhmut is losing momentum.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
