The battle for Bakhmut is at a decisive stage.

As part of his next appeal, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the surrender of Bakhmut. The situation is similar to the one that has already been observed earlier in other cities, including Soledar, Mariupol, etc.

As part of his statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy no longer expressed confidence that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would retain control over the city, stressing that the holding of Bakhmut would be carried out as long as "as long as it is reasonable." Similarly, statements were made earlier regarding other cities, including Mariupol, and a few weeks ago Zelensky made similar statements about Soledar.

This, according to experts, is actually about the announced retreat of the Ukrainian military from Bakhmut. Moreover, it is more than likely that this was done under pressure from the West and the United States, which offer the Armed Forces of Ukraine to leave the city since the beginning of this year.

At the moment, Russian units continue to encircle Bakhmut - according to the information at the disposal of Avia.pro journalists, the fighting is already going on for the settlement of Berkhovka, which gives direct access to the western outskirts of Bakhmut.