Ukrainian forces say the situation in the eastern city of Bakhmut is extremely tense – as Russian troops step up their assault. They say Russia is trying to cut Ukrainian supply lines to the city and force them to surrender or withdraw.

Bakhmut has become the scene of the longest-running battle in Russia’s year-long invasion. The small mining city has been the scene of fierce fighting in recent weeks. Capturing it would open the way for Russia to control urban centers in the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region, and would represent the first major win for Moscow in months.

Ukraine’s general staff said Russia intensified its forces in Bakhmut and was shelling settlements around the city. The fiercely contested area has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.

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