The big question in Bakhmut

Russian tanks at a front line in Ukraine

Conflicting information about Bakhmut

Reuters quoted Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar as saying that Ukrainian units are still encircling parts of Bakhmut, along both sides of the city, and continue to control several areas of Bakhmut.

Specifically, Maliar said that Ukrainian troops continued their advance along the city's outskirts and captured high ground overlooking Bakhmut.

"Our forces have surrounded half the city, giving us an opportunity to crush the enemy," the deputy minister wrote on her Telegram account. "Therefore, the enemy is forced into a defensive position in the part they control," she added.

Ms. Maliar added that Ukrainian troops would continue to protect industrial plants and infrastructure, as well as the private sector in the city.

Hours before Maliar updated Telegram, news outlets reporting on the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, quoted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky seemingly confirming the loss of control of Bakhmut to Russia.

Ukrainian soldiers on an armored infantry vehicle near Bakhmut on May 20.

However, shortly after the news reports, Zelensky's spokesman, Sergii Nykyforov, wrote on Facebook that the leader had not confirmed that Russia had taken control of the city.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin posted a statement in which Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Wagner mercenaries on successfully taking control of Bakhmut, according to TASS.

What did President Zelensky say about the current situation in Bakhmut?

On the same day, Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-appointed official in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, said that Kyiv forces had fired British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles at the Russian-controlled city of Berdyansk.

According to Rogov, a total of seven missiles were launched toward the city, four of which were Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Russian air defenses shot down six, while one landed on the outskirts of the city but caused no casualties.

Ukraine has not commented on this information.

Biden and Zelensky at a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima on May 21.

The F-16 was a topic of discussion at the US-Ukraine meeting.

During a meeting with President Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Biden said he had received assurances from his Ukrainian counterpart that Kyiv would not use F-16 fighter jets if Western aid was provided to attack targets on Russian territory. However, the fighter jets could be used for any location where Russian troops are stationed in Ukraine and the region.

For his part, Zelensky expressed confidence that Kyiv would receive F-16 fighter jets from the West, but was uncertain about the number.

Ukrainian diplomat warns of a "terrifying" summer ahead due to counterattack.

At the meeting, President Biden also announced the next military aid package for Kyiv, including ammunition, armored vehicles, mortars, etc. The total value of this aid is $375 million.

Later, Zelensky stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Brazil, China, and India were sending weapons to Russia. The Ukrainian leader also urged countries to support Kyiv's peace demands, and said he had met with almost all the leaders of the G7 group.

Pope Francis appoints peace envoy for Ukraine.

In a notable move aimed at boosting efforts to bring about a solution to the conflict, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church has appointed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, to lead a peace mission for Ukraine.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops' Conference.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed the developments on May 20, emphasizing the Pope's commitment to easing tensions in the region.

Vatican News reported that Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists: "I can confirm that Pope Francis has entrusted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi with the responsibility of leading this mission."

The Vatican is placing its hopes on Cardinal Zuppi's diplomatic skills and extensive network of contacts to help de-escalate tensions and pave the way for a sustainable solution for Ukraine.

The US wants to 'freeze' the conflict in Ukraine.

On May 13, President Zelensky met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, holding a 40-minute private meeting with the Pope, marking his first encounter with the Pope since 2020.

According to Vatican News , the Pope presented Zelensky with a bronze olive branch statue, while the Ukrainian president's gift to the Holy Father was a painting of the Virgin Mary atop a piece of armor.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-su-toi-215-cau-hoi-lon-o-bakhmut-185230521170603859.htm