Ukrainian tanks fire in Bakhmut (Photo: Reuters).
Roman Trokhymets is a Ukrainian soldier fighting around the eastern city of Bakhmut, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
Recovering from a recent injury, Trokhymets spoke to CNN on March 14 about the war in the Eastern pan over the past few days.
"I can't even describe the emotions, that's why I tried to add some videos and photos, because sometimes you can't understand everything, just looking at the photos. That place was really hell on earth, that's what I can say in a few words," Trokhymets said.
Speaking on state television, another Ukrainian soldier fighting in Bakhmut said, "The intensity of shelling in the battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut continues to increase, but Russian infantry cannot break through Ukrainian strongholds."
“On our flank, the intensity of fighting has increased significantly in recent days – the southern outskirts of Bakhmut, Ivanivske. The enemy is trying to reach the area of the so-called aircraft monument in Bakhmut and cut the Kostiantynivka-Bakhmut road,” said Yurii Syrotiuk, a soldier of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"That's why there are constant high-intensity clashes. But every time the enemy tries to attack us, we counterattack. However, they have started using a lot of artillery, multiple rocket launchers and aircraft. The enemy's air force operates from morning till night," Syrotiuk added.
Scenes of devastation in Bakhmut after the fighting (Photo: Reuters).
Ukrainian soldiers said the fighting front was "quite close to the entrance to Bakhmut".
"The enemy is trying to attack from the Ivanivske direction, but without success. We are constantly repelling them with counterattacks. The enemy is trying to cut off the Kostiantynivka-Bakhmut road at any cost to encircle Bakhmut," Syrotiuk added.
Syrotiuk said Russian infantry had been unable to break through Ukrainian strongholds and were "retreating, calling in more artillery and air power".
"The fighting is happening 24/7. About two weeks ago, I couldn't imagine that the fighting could get any more intense, but it can still happen," said the Ukrainian soldier.
Bakhmut is currently the fiercest front in the fighting in Ukraine, with both Russia and Ukraine suffering heavy losses. Western intelligence sources estimate that each side has likely suffered more than 100,000 dead and wounded.
Observers say that in the war of attrition on the entire front, especially in Bakhmut, Ukraine seems to be in a difficult position as they are losing many experienced soldiers and this is something that is difficult to make up in a short time. In particular, this can also affect Ukraine's plan in its counterattack efforts in the later stages.
According to the British Ministry of Defense, Bakhmut has become a "dead zone" and this is likely to pose a major challenge to Russia's Wagner mercenary force as they try to continue their offensive westward.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is determined to hold on and hold its stronghold of Bakhmut, believing that it is weakening Russia’s strongest force in the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that if Ukraine loses Bakhmut, Russia will have an open path to other key cities in eastern Ukraine.
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